Mumbai Indians will start as favourites in IPL 2021, feels Ravi Ashwin

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Ravi Ashwin feels that Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to start as the favourites in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). MI, led by Rohit Sharma, is the five-time IPL champion and would be going into the tournament on the backs of wins in 2019 and 2020.

Even as Ashwin admitted that every team has its strengths, MI’s power and experience make them stand out from the rest. The defending champions are scheduled to start their campaign on April 9 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

“Every team is strong, and I am not making a diplomatic statement. But I definitely think Mumbai has got a powerful and experienced squad. Mumbai will always start as favourites in this competition. I think Mumbai is the team to beat,” Ashwin was quoted as saying to the New Indian Express.

Ravi Ashwin backs DC to perform well

Ashwin feels that the Capitals have a fair chance of lifting the trophy as well. The veteran feels that Rishabh Pant’s impressive form makes DC’s batting a power-packed one. Last season, the Capitals made the finals for the first time in IPL history but lost to the Mumbai-based franchise.

“Good (On DC’s chances), well-balanced one. Last year, our batting did not come well together. It was understandable due to lockdown and all that. But this year, in the kind of form in which Rishabh is, definitely that (team’s batting) also will get sorted out,” he stated.

“We have a good chance. But if you see the last few years, it is not always about the top two or three sides. Every team picks players judiciously and have good balance and options. The IPL is in a new caravan model, so conditions also will play a part,” Ashwin added.

DC’s opening game is against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, April 10 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ashwin had injury concerns last season, but made a strong comeback, picking up 13 wickets from 15 matches at an economy rate of 7.66. Ashwin is sixth in the list of all-time highest IPL wicket-takers with 138 scalps from 154 games.