Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has praised Mumbai Indians leg-spinner Piyush Chawla for utilizing his vast experience in the ongoing IPL season. Pathan feels that Chawla is the best bowler in the Mumbai Indians' squad and is in the right form to become the highest wicket-taker for the five-time champions if they win the tournament. Mumbai Indians will play against defending champions Gujarat Titans in their next IPL 2023 encounter at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening.
After three consecutive wins, Mumbai Indians suffered a defeat against an upbeat Punjab Kings side in a high-scoring contest. Chawla has been performing well for Mumbai Indians and bowled economically in the run-fest at Wankhede Stadium. "Mumbai need to back him and for MI to do well, Chawla will have to be the highest wicket-taker in the IPL," said Irfan on Star Sports Cricket Live.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans' skipper Hardik Pandya will be looking to lead his team from the front after slamming a match-winning half-century in the previous game against LSG. They were the team to beat in their debut season, where they finished as the champions in IPL 2022, and they seem to be carrying that momentum forward. A win tonight will take Gujarat Titans to the top of the points table.
Irfan also praised the balance in the Gujarat Titans' side and lauded coach Ashish Nehra's execution of plans. "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," he said.