IPL 2021: It Is Good That Mumbai Indians Are Out Of Playoffs, Says Salman Butt

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians are almost written off from contention of IPL 2021 playoffs before they face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.

Until Thursday night, there was a glimpse of hope for Rohit Sharma and his men to make it to the knockout stages, only for Kolkata Knight Riders to spoil their party.

Mumbai Indians will have to win by 171 runs against SRH to qualify for the playoffs

KKR handed Rajasthan Royals a comprehensive defeat of 86 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to bolster their net run rate to +0.587, which will hurt Mumbai Indians even if they happen to win against them SRH in their final league game.

Mumbai Indians will have to defeat SRH by at least 171 runs, and in case if they are asked to bowl first, then there are no chances for them to contend for a spot.

If Mumbai Indians does not meet the aforementioned criteria, then KKR, along with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC), will make the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians are dangerous: Salman Butt

Former Pakistan player Salman Butt feels it is a good opportunity for teams like RCB and DC to aim for their maiden IPL title in the absence of MI this year.

“It is good that MI are out of the playoffs because once they start winning from the bottom, then they go on to win the title more often than not. Wouldn’t it be better if a new team like RCB or DC wins the title?. MI are dangerous,” Butt said on his YouTube channel. 

Mumbai Indians play SRH at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi while RCB and DC meet in their final league game at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

For both RCB and DC, the match will be to test and experiment with their core strengths as both of them have already qualified for the playoffs.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya, Not Bowling Is A Big Blow, Not Just For Mumbai Indians, But For India As Well Says Sunil Gavaskar