I Support MI for Finals, They’re a Strong & Balanced Team: Dhawan
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a thrilling ride, with some of the most talented teams in the league battling it out for the coveted title. As the tournament enters its final stages, opinions on who will emerge victorious are divided. However, former India cricketer and ex-Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shikhar Dhawan has made his prediction clear. In a recent interview, Dhawan stated that he will be supporting Mumbai Indians (MI) in the finals, citing their impressive form and well-balanced team.
Dhawan’s comments come after MI defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Eliminator match on Friday, setting up a Qualifier 2 clash against PBKS. For Dhawan, the Mumbai Indians’ performance in the tournament has been nothing short of outstanding. “The way Mumbai Indians have gained momentum is outstanding,” he said. “They are a very strong and well-balanced team.”
Dhawan’s endorsement of MI is significant, given his own experience of playing against them in the league. As a captain, he would have had many encounters with the Mumbai-based franchise, and his opinion carries weight. Moreover, Dhawan’s assessment of MI’s strengths is hard to argue with. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, MI have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a mix of experienced and young players.
One of the key factors that have contributed to MI’s success is their ability to adapt to different situations. Whether it’s chasing down targets or defending a total, the Mumbai Indians have shown a remarkable ability to adjust their strategy according to the circumstances. This flexibility has allowed them to win matches from seemingly impossible situations, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Another reason why Dhawan might be tipping MI for the title is their bowling attack. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, and Murugan Ashwin, MI have a potent bowling lineup that can take wickets on any surface. Bumrah, in particular, has been in stunning form, scalping wickets at will and conceding runs at an economical rate. His ability to bowl yorkers and slower balls has made him a nightmare for batsmen, and his presence in the team gives MI a significant advantage.
Of course, PBKS will be looking to upset MI’s plans in Qualifier 2, and they have a few tricks up their sleeve as well. With the likes of Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, and Liam Livingstone, PBKS have a strong batting lineup that can post big scores. Add to that the pace and spin options of Arshdeep Singh and Rishi Dhawan, and you have a team that can cause an upset on its day.
However, despite PBKS’s strengths, MI’s overall package looks more comprehensive. With their strong batting, bowling, and fielding, they have the ability to win matches in a variety of ways. Moreover, their experience of playing in big finals will give them an edge in a high-pressure situation like Qualifier 2.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Qualifier 2 clash between MI and PBKS will depend on a variety of factors, including the conditions, the teams’ preparations, and the performances of individual players. However, based on their recent form and overall strengths, MI do appear to be the stronger team heading into the match.
For Dhawan, his prediction of MI winning the title is not just a hunch – it’s a well-informed opinion based on his knowledge of the team and the league. As a former cricketer and captain, he knows what it takes to win the IPL, and he believes that MI have the necessary ingredients to lift the trophy.
In conclusion, while the outcome of the Qualifier 2 match between MI and PBKS is far from certain, Dhawan’s endorsement of MI is a significant endorsement of their abilities. With their strong and balanced team, MI do appear to be the team to beat, and they will be looking to capitalize on their momentum to win the IPL title.
