Mumbai: Mumbai Indians’ late surge took them to the final of the eighth chapter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 24 (Sunday). With two successive wins in the last two matches, they look a confident outfit. Here are five reasons why they may end up winning the title.
Eden Gardens, memories of 2013: The team, led by Rohit Sharma, won the final at Eden Gardens two years back itself and the memories are still fresh. This is a major boost for Mumbai.
Rohit’s happy hunting ground: It is on the same ground where Rohit slammed his second ODI double hundred, against Sri Lanka, in November 2014. The right-hander hit a 173-ball 264. In fact, he started this season with an unbeaten 98 at the same venue against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Harbhajan Singh’s form: The off-spinner is back in the business picking up crucial wickets. The stadium is his favourite too. He clinched his first international hat-trick at this very ground against Australia in 2001.
Five-day rest: The team has been travelling to and fro Mumbai for back-to-back matches. After Tuesday’s conquest, they finally got a break of five days to prepare for the final. On the other hand, whoever will be the other finalist will only get a day’s time.
Spinning track: The Kolkata pitch is known to be a turning turf. With spinners like Harbhajan and Jagadeesha Suchith – who have been going great guns in the tournament – the job might get easier.
(Photos: BCCI)
