For MI to do well, Piyush Chawla will have to be the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2023: Irfan Pathan

Mumbai Indians suffered a 13-run loss against Punjab Kings in their last encounter in IPL 2023 on April 22 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In a high-scoring game where both the teams surpassed the 200-run mark, Piyush Chawla bowled a brilliant spell of 2/15 in three overs. Praising the spinner, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that if MI are to win the IPL 2023, Chawla must finish as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament.

The veteran spinner has been in sensational form with the ball in the ongoing season as he’s the highest wicket-taker for MI with nine wickets to his name in six innings at an average of 17.55 and an economy of 6.86. Pathan wants MI to back Chawla who’s brought his experience to good use in the ongoing season.

"Piyush Chawla is MI's best bowler. He is showing all his experience and bowling in the right areas. Mumbai need to back him and for MI to do well, Chawla will have to be the highest wicket-taker in the IPL," Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

After winning three games on a trot, MI lost against PBKS as they failed to chase down the target of 215, losing the match by 13 runs. The Rohit Sharma-led side are currently placed in the seventh spot in the IPL points table with three wins from six matches. They will next face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, April 25 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, and will look to return back to winning ways.

Gujarat Titans look like a very strong team this season as well: Irfan Pathan

Praising the defending champions ahead of their next fixture, Pathan further said that GT are once again looking strong this season and called them a dangerous side.

"Gujarat Titans look like a very strong team this season as well. Their vision and execution in the last season are visible in this season as well and that makes them a dangerous side," added Pathan.

Gujarat are placed on the fourth spot on the points table with four wins from six matches. They registered a thrilling 7-run victory against Lucknow Super Giants in their last fixture and will be eyeing to go up the ladder with a win over Mumbai.