A team does not win four titles in the Indian Premier League without being tactically astute. Sure, recruitment is key. Of course, player t...
A team does not win four titles in the Indian Premier League without being tactically astute. Sure, recruitment is key. Of course, player talent is essential. But in a league where talent distribution evens out on paper for the most part, the team that has the ability to out-think their opponents ends up being more successful by design.
The 48-run win that Mumbai Indians registered against Kings XI Punjab in Abu Dhabi on Thursday was another piece of evidence that the defending champions are arguably the strongest tactical unit in the tournament.
Rohit Sharma and Co had their plans in place against Kings XI Punjab and executed them to perfection.
Rohit batting deep
The only phase that probably went in Kings XI’s favour was the powerplay in the first innings when they picked up two early wickets and restricted Mumbai to 41/2. But Rohit Sharma did not panic. As a batsman, he was timing the ball well and as a captain, he understood that he did not have to go at full tilt too early knowing what came after. What he did was to make sure the middle order was not exposed too early, batting till the 17th over, finishing with a 45-ball 70.
Calculated late onslaught
In the three matches before...
