Sanjay Manjrekar calls MI the Best IPL Team | Praises their Attitude
Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), have had a remarkable journey in the IPL 2023 season. Despite facing initial setbacks and losing several games, they managed to bounce back stronger and secure a spot in the playoffs. Led by the charismatic Rohit Sharma, the team will now face the Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator, as the knockout stage approaches.
Mumbai Indians’ qualification for the playoffs was not a certainty until their last league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their chances hinged on a thin thread, with Royal Challengers Bangalore also in contention. RCB needed to win their final game against the Gujarat Titans to surpass Mumbai Indians and secure a place in the top four. However, RCB’s loss paved the way for Mumbai Indians’ qualification.
In recent matches, Mumbai Indians have showcased exceptional performances, setting targets of over 200 runs and successfully chasing down imposing totals. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar draws parallels between Mumbai Indians and the dominant West Indies team of the 1970s and later the Australian team, highlighting the winning vibe in their dressing room.
Manjrekar believes that Mumbai Indians have created an environment akin to those successful teams. Any player joining the squad understands that they are part of a superior side, instilling confidence in them regardless of the captaincy.
Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar expressed his observations, stating, “With Mumbai Indians, I guess, like the West Indies in the 70s and Australia later, just that winning vibe in the dressing room. So anyone who comes in knows that he is with a side that is superior to the others, and that is the confidence they will take into the game, no matter who the captain is.”
Manjrekar further emphasizes that Mumbai Indians’ resurgence in the tournament can be attributed to their exceptional batting performances. While the quality of their bowlers had been underestimated this season, the team’s elite batting, including the remarkable centuries scored by Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green, played a pivotal role in winning crucial league matches and securing a playoff berth.
The former cricketer specifically highlights the underrated calibre of Mumbai Indians’ bowlers. He mentions the outstanding performances of Piyush Chawla, who made a strong comeback from virtual retirement and excelled as a mainstay spinner. Additionally, he acknowledges the contributions of Jason Behrendorff, who consistently took wickets during powerplay overs, often going unnoticed by many.
Reflecting on Mumbai Indians’ journey this season, Manjrekar points out that halfway through the tournament, the team seemed to lack a cohesive unit. The absence of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, combined with underperforming batting, suggested that Mumbai Indians would remain an average team in future IPLs. However, the team staged an impressive turnaround, defying expectations and proving their mettle.
The Mumbai Indians’ ability to overcome obstacles and rediscover their winning form is a testament to their resilience and the strong team spirit within the squad. With the playoffs on the horizon, the team will be eager to carry their winning momentum forward and continue their quest for another IPL title.
As the playoffs approach, Mumbai Indians will be strategizing and fine-tuning their game plans. Their success in the IPL 2023 season has been a result of a collective effort from the entire team. Rohit Sharma’s leadership has played a crucial role in guiding the players and instilling a winning mentality.
Sanjay Manjrekar calls MI the Best IPL Team | Praises their Attitude
One of the key aspects of Mumbai Indians’ success has been their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. They have shown great resilience in recovering from early setbacks and turning their fortunes around. This resilience is a reflection of the team’s character and determination to succeed.
Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup has been a force to be reckoned with. Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green’s centuries have been instrumental in setting challenging targets for their opponents. The duo’s ability to handle pressure and deliver match-winning performances has been commendable.
The bowling department, despite being underrated, has played a significant role in Mumbai Indians’ success. Piyush Chawla’s comeback from virtual retirement has been nothing short of remarkable. His experience and skill as a spinner have added depth to the team’s bowling arsenal.
Another bowler who has quietly made an impact is Jason Behrendorff. Known for his ability to take wickets in the powerplay overs, Behrendorff has provided crucial breakthroughs for Mumbai Indians. His contributions have often gone unnoticed, but they have been instrumental in restricting the opposition and shifting the momentum in favor of his team.
The absence of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer was initially a cause for concern for Mumbai Indians. However, the team has shown great depth and resilience by stepping up in their absence. The likes of Chawla and Behrendorff have filled the void and delivered match-winning performances when needed the most.
