IPL 2020: Sachin Tendulkar Backs Mumbai Indians to Win Back to Back Titles This Year

In a stance that has surprised absolutely nobody, Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that he is backing Mumbai Indians to win the 2020 Indian Premier League which is being held in the United Arab Emirates. 

Tendulkar was the captain of Mumbai Indians since the inaugural edition in 2008 until 2011 and has been a part of the dugout in some form since then. However, Tendulkar said that all teams playing in this year’s IPL are balanced.

“All teams are quite balanced. This format is such that by the time you play, a lot has already transpired on the field. We can look at this in two ways. Batsmen who seem to be in a hurry are cautioned to take it easy, while those who are extremely relaxed at times are required to take swift actions,” Tendulkar said. 

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“It is going to be an exciting competition, and matches will be evenly contested. Considering the 53-day duration of the tournament, the team with momentum on its side might prevail,” he added.

Tendulkar also stressed on the need to start well in order to win the entire tournament. “Even while playing a Test series, we stress on performing well in the first game. If we play well in the first game, the series will finish well. Same applies here as well. If the beginning is good, the team meetings are also short, and that holds the team in good stead,” the little master said.

However, history shows that Mumbai Indians have been slow starters but pick up pace subsequently when it matters the most. Mumbai Indians won the 2019 edition of the IPL, and are one of the top contenders to win the tournament this year. Their title defense was off to a disappointing start as they lost the tournament opener to the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.