IPL 2017: Rising Pune Supergiants v Mumbai Indians, 5 factors of winning

#3 Strategy

Mumbai’s dugout is as loaded as their starting XI

It will be a battle of masterminds when the Super Giants clash against MI. Pune will be coached by Stephen Fleming, who had achieved wonders with CSK. MI, on the other hand, have a new coach – Mahela Jayawardene to replace Ricky Ponting. Jayawardene is probably a hands-on coach given he was playing as recently as in the Pakistan Super League and in the Big Bash.

The Sri Lankan legend has always been an astute captain, known for his attacking intent and finally, he will have a team of riches that can do his battle strategies genuine justice. Given how Jayawardene is also known for his coolness, MI will love to have him by their side, given the pressure they are always under. As one of the top two teams in terms of brand value, MI have no choice but to make it to the top four.

MI’s winning strategy would be to find a way to stop Smith from scoring. That’s not going to be an easy task as the Indians found out against Australia. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma is not as reactive a captain as Virat Kohli is and with Mahela will surely have some aces up his sleeve. Minus Steve Smith, MI should back themselves to score whatever Pune can and a little more.