IPL 2018: Aaron Finch Rates Mumbai Indians as 'Best' Team in the History of T20 League

With five wins in seven games, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) as a unit is looking well set to seal a playoff berth this eleventh season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The team has done brilliantly so far, blowing away oppositions on its day to prove its title credentials. However, one can safely say that the team-management would be having a lot to ponder about.

While the top-order and bowling have been in fine form, however, the middle-order is enough to give the team sleepless nights.

KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, and Karun Nair have scored consistently but the middle-order is yet to join the party. The likes of Aaron Finch, Mayank Agarwal, Yuvraj Singh and Manoj Tiwary have failed to deliver.

Agarwal, who scored over 1,000 runs in last season of Ranji Trophy, has scored only 105 runs in seven games while Yuvraj scored 50 runs in six games before being dropped.

On the other hand, Yuvraj’s replacement Manoj Tiwary also failed to impress, scoring only one in the solitary game he has played so far.

Finch’s form is equally poor. The Australian, who missed the start of the tournament due to his wedding, began his campaign with two consecutive ducks. It was followed by scores of 14, 2 and 8.

But, despite his poor form, Finch is not worried and is looking at the brighter side. Instead of ruing the poor show from middle-order, he is taking positives from the team’s fine form so far.

“It’s true that we haven’t scored much. But the great thing is we still have five wins. Chris, KL, and Karun have been brilliant. It’s important to stay optimistic. It’s just a matter of time before the middle-order fires,” he said on the eve of the clash against Mumbai Indians.

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Defending champions Indians are on the verge of being eliminated. The Rohit Sharma-led side has won only two games in eight outings.

However, Finch warned his teammates against any complacency.

“They have been one of the best sides in the history of the tournament. They are three-time IPL champions. They’ve had slow starts in the past and still managed to reach the playoffs. We are not going to take them lightly. We will have to be at our very best to beat them,” he said.

Punjab will take on Mumbai in Indore and will also play the remaining home games at that venue.

In Mohali, they won all three games and a change in venue might change the momentum.

However, Finch is optimistic the change in home venue will not affect the Kings XI Punjab camp.

“No, I don’t think so. You play around the country so much. You play seven away games. We had a wonderful start in Chandigarh with three wins. This (Indore) is a bit smaller ground. Wicket is generally very good here. We are ready for the challenge,” he said.

Also, Read: Stephen Fleming Cites Poor Fielding as the Reason Behind CSK’s Loss Against KKR