Australia’s former chinaman spinner Brad Hogg has predicted that reigning champions Mumbai Indians will once again be the IPL champions whereas all-rounder Hardik Pandya is going to be Man of the tournament in the upcoming IPL 2020. Hogg stated that Mumbai Indians have got a balanced side with strong top four batsmen, all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya and death bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians is the most successful IPL side with four titles but they have never been able to defend their title. Mumbai is led by a confident Rohit Sharma, who has got the best out of the players and the franchise is not dependent on individuals but mostly wins their matches by a collective effort from the team.
On the other hand, Hogg has backed Hardik Pandya to be the Man of the tournament in IPL 2020. Pandya will be returning from back injury and he is going to be a father soon, and thus Hogg believes the all-rounder will be extra motivated to give his best.
Pandya has so far played 66 IPL matches in which he has scored 1098 runs at an average of 28.86 and a whirlwind strike rate of 154.78. Pandya has also scalped 42 wickets for the four-time champions.
“Well, Mumbai Indians look like they are going to be champions again. They are one of my top two teams going into this year’s IPL in UAE this year,” Hogg said on his Youtube page Hogg’s Vlog.
“Also, the allrounder Hardik Pandya. He is looking to get back into cricket after a long time off due to injury. He’s also got a baby on the way as well. I just think those things will give him extra energy and he will become man of the tournament in the UAE,” he said.
Meanwhile, the IPL is all set to begin from September 19 in the UAE, IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel has confirmed.
Mumbai Indians are always the favourites to win the tournament as they have got a potent team. The Men in Blue have been consistent throughout the competition and their players are known to hold their nerves in the crucial stages of the big matches. In fact, they won the IPL 2017 and IPL 2019 by only one run.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya would like to hit the ground running when he gets back into action. Pandya has shown all the right skills and he would like to prove his mettle.
