IPL 2020: MI Has The Edge - Pragyan Ojha Picks Mumbai Indians As Favorites In Qualifier 1
Published - 05 Nov 2020, 05:48 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:36 AM
Former India spinner, Pragyan Ojha has picked Mumbai Indians (MI) as favorites over Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the clash between the two teams in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2020 on Thursday in Dubai.
Delhi Capitals secured the second spot in the points table after defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 6 wickets and will go against the table toppers, Mumbai Indians. Delhi was on a four-match losing streak before their victory over Bangalore and Mumbai suffered a big 10-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Mumbai has an edge over Delhi but DC is also a very good side: Pragyan Ojha
Mumbai was without their three key players – Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult – in their loss versus Hyderabad. The return of these three players will bolster the team, and therefore Pragyan Ojha feels that MI are favorites to win.
The 34-year-old said that the Delhi Capitals is a very good side, but Mumbai definitely has an edge over them. The off-spinner expects the match to be a hard-fought contest as they are the top two teams of the tournament. He opined that DC’s batting has been inconsistent and for Delhi to be in the competition, the batters have to bat responsibly.
Speaking to Sports Today, Pragyan Ojha said, “Sports is very unpredictable. The best of the teams cannot guarantee a win. When we talk of percentage, definitely Mumbai has an edge over Delhi but DC is also a very good side. They had a brilliant tournament and they are the 2nd ranked side in this competition. It will be good competition.”
“Delhi’s batting was inconsistent if you compare DC with MI. If they do well then it will be a very good competition. But as of now, I believe MI has the edge.”
The former MI spinner points out that it is an advantage for the two teams because the losing team will get another opportunity to reach the final in Qualifier 2. Hence, Ojha expects a thriller of a game as both teams can play freely, having the cushion of an extra chance.
“It’s going to be a good game. The biggest plus-point of this Qualifier is that both teams have got a second chance. I know they will fight hard but somewhere they will have the cushion that if they don’t win today they have the second chance,” Ojha added.
