IPL 2021: Michael Vaughan Predicts Mumbai Indians To Make A Hat-Trick Of Titles; Picks Sunrisers Hyderabad As Second Favorites

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan has named Mumbai Indians as the outright favorites to win the IPL 2021. If Mumbai emerges victorious this season also, it would be their 6th IPL trophy – all under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma – and would become the first team in the history of the tournament to make a hat-trick of IPL titles.

Chennai Super Kings won two consecutive seasons in 2010 and 2012 but lost the 2013 final to Mumbai Indians, which began their march to becoming the most successful franchise. Not just Michael Vaughan but many other experts also believe that the 5-time champions could bag their 6th title, as the side looks invulnerable.

The only weakness, or rather shortcoming, MI seemed to have last season was the absence of an experienced spinner – despite Rahul Chahar, and Jayant Yadav doing very well alongside Krunal Pandya. They covered that base by roping in veteran leg-spinner, and World Cup and IPL winner, Piyush Chawla in their squad in the February auction. They have also bought James Neesham as a backup for Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard.

If by some bizarre loss of form of MI, then SRH will win it: Michael Vaughan

The 46-year-old believes that Rohit Sharma’s team should comfortably win the title, but for a “bizarre loss of form.” In that case, Michael Vaughan reckons David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad would win the 14th edition of the tournament. 

SRH finished 3rd last season in the UAE; they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator but then lost to Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 2. They have roped in Jason Roy as a replacement for Mitchell Match, who pulled out due to personal reasons.

The 2016 champions already had arguably the strongest set of overseas players, now beefed up by the inclusion of Mujeeb Ur Rahman; Kedar Jadhav was bought to provide strength to the lower-middle order, which was one of their few weaknesses last year.

“Early #IPL2021 prediction …@mipaltan will win it … if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it … #OnOn #India,” tweeted the Ashes winning captain. 

Early #IPL2021 prediction … @mipaltan will win it … if by some bizarre loss of form then @SunRisers will win it … #OnOn #India

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 7, 2021

Also Read: IPL 2021: Gautam Gambhir Not Optimistic About Chennai Super Kings’ Playoff Chances