Amidst COVID-19 lull, Indian cricket enthusiasts received a major morale boost with the news of 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) starting from September 19.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) were decided as the hosts of the cash-rich league. The news created quite a buzz in the cricketing community as the tournament was slotted in place of the impending T20 World Cup.
Now, former Australian cricketer, Brad Hogg has named the favourites to win IPL 2020. Hogg, who is also a popular commentator and analyst of Star Sports Select show ‘Dugout’, has tagged Mumbai Indians (MI) as chief contenders to clinch the title.
The MI brigade have won the most number of IPL titles thus far, with championship wins in each alternate year since 2013.
“Well, Mumbai Indians look like they are going to be champions again. They are one of my top two teams going into this year’s IPL in UAE this year,” Hogg said on his Youtube channel.
“The reason for this is that they have got a good top four, they also have good all-rounders and their bowling attack is stable led by two geniuses with the new ball, and in death overs – Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga,” he added.
The other team Hogg backed to win the tournament was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are yet to open their account in terms of IPL title wins.
“The second team I have got for you is for RCB. Finally, they will have a big chance to take out an IPL. They have always had good stock on paper, but they have never been able to go out and get the job done. Also, their bowling attack looks strong with Dale Steyn and Kane Richardson, and they have a better team balance as compared to the last couple of years. They will have a better strategy going into the tournament,” Hogg concluded.
