IPL 2020: 3 factors that could help Mumbai Indians defend their title

#2 Special all-round talent

Hardik and Krunal Pandya

Mumbai Indians are blessed to have some of the most dangerous all-rounders in the T20 format, who have consistently put their hands up for the franchise - the Pandya brothers, and Kieron Pollard. If they fire this year as well, that would go a long way towards Mumbai lifting the trophy for the fifth time.

If you look at their performances last year, Hardik was brilliant with 402 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 191.41 and an average of 44.66. While he has been out of competitive cricket for a while with injury issues, he made a sensational return in the DY Patil T20 Cup with scores of 158 from 55 and 105 from 39 balls.

Hardik's ‘see ball hit ball’ philosophy has worked in Mumbai’s favour many times. He has made an impression with his pace bowling as well, claiming 14 wickets at a strike rate of 18.21 last season.

Hardik’s brother Krunal may have lost his place in the Indian team, but he can gain it back with some impressive showings in the IPL. Coming in lower down the order, he has played some crucial cameos for MI over the years. And with the ball, he has chipped in with key scalps on a number of occasions.

Krunal was in form last year as well, with 183 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 122, and 12 wickets at a strike rate of 23. While on paper the performances may not look spectacular, the fact that he gets limited opportunities makes his efforts credible.

Kieron Pollard. [Image: BCCI/IPLT20.com]

West Indies’ limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard has been a stalwart for Mumbai for many years. He has the ability to tonk the ball out of the park at will. And while his friendly medium pacers haven't claimed a lot of wickets, he remains brilliant in the field.

Last year, Pollard smashed 279 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 156.74 in Mumbai’s winning campaign. Overall he has 2,755 runs in 148 IPL games, striking at 146.77, with 14 fifties.