Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim assessed the upcoming Qualifier 2 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), favoring MI due to their current momentum and strong bowling attack. He also expressed hopes for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, particularly for their star batter Virat Kohli. Karim made these comments during the Fit India ‘Sundays on Cycle’ initiative in Delhi.
Reflecting on the MI-PBKS clash, Karim stated MI’s dominance due to their strong gameplay and bowling unit. PBKS, despite topping the league stage with nine wins, faced a significant loss against RCB, being bowled out for 101. In contrast, MI displayed a powerful batting performance in the eliminator against Gujarat Titans (GT), successfully defending a score of 228 and winning by 20 runs.
Regarding RCB’s prospects, Karim hoped Kohli would achieve success in his 18th season. Kohli has scored 614 runs in 14 matches with an average of 55.81 and a strike rate exceeding 146.
Karim also discussed India’s upcoming tour of England, highlighting the opportunity for a young, new-look team under the leadership of Shubman Gill. He emphasized the bench strength and the chance for youngsters to perform well. The tour begins on June 20 with the first Test at Leeds.
Karim also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for young talent like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had a successful IPL season. Suryavanshi played seven matches for RR, scoring 252 runs with an impressive strike rate, including a record-breaking century.