No team other than Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has managed to retain their IPL title in the tournament’s 10-year history but, the former Mumbai Indians batsman believes defending champions Mumbai Indians are in a good position to retain their IPL title this year.

With VIVO IPL 2018 just around the corner, the most successful team in the history of the league – Mumbai Indians will begin their title defence at home against Chennai Super Kings, the winners of back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Abhishek Nayar and Aakash Chopra were on the panel of a Game Plan In Your City, a Star Sports special, where they discussed Mumbai Indians squad in detail in the presence of Mumbai Indians fans from across the city.

Advertisement

Speaking on the sidelines of Game Plan In Your City event organised by Star Sports, Abhishek Nayar said, “Mumbai Indians have a brilliant playing XI – a perfect blend of youth and experience. Like each of the past seasons, Mumbai Indians have a very formidable line up this time around as well. I think they have the experience with players who have won the championship before and young blood to fuel their hunger for more. Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Keiron Pollard will continue to be their pillars of strength and drive the team towards even greater success in IPL 2018.”

Aakash Chopra, who was also on the expert panel along with Abhishek Nayar said, “Mumbai Indians have a fairly decent squad to go ahead in the tournament and retain the title. They have invested a lot in all-rounders with the likes of Pandya brothers and Pollard which means that they bat deep and can still afford to play a bowler less, a luxury in T20 format. I am also quite eager to see how youngsters like Ishan Kishan and Rahul Chahar perform amidst the star-studded line up.”

Promising to make VIVO IPL a six-month fiesta and offering fans 60 hours of dedicated programming per month featuring proprietary shows such as Game Plan, Cricket Countdown and franchisee specific shows leading up-to VIVO IPL, Star Sports shot a special edition of Game Plan- In Your City in Mumbai to reflect the excitement on-ground ahead of the new season and to rally fans of the home team and defending champions Mumbai Indians.