It’s been that kind of an IPL season, where even after an adrenalin-filled 56 matches in the league stage, it boiled down to the last match to decide which team would seal the fourth and final berth for the highly anticipated playoffs. Following more than a month of electrifying action where the pendulum wildly oscillated and fans witnessed edge-of-the-seat action, it goes down to the wire when defending champions Mumbai Indians launch a serious title defence against hot contenders Delhi Capitals as the playoffs for one of the most keenly contested IPL titles get underway with Qualifier 1 on November 5th (Thursday) at Dubai with Live action on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar from 6 PM onwards. The race to the playoffs has been one of the most competitive ever in the history of the IPL.

Mumbai Indians, the first team to qualify for the playoffs, fumbled at the start of the tournament, but since have displayed and showcased what a complete and resolute team they are, despite, off late, in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. With the most important games of the season just around the corner, the Paltans will be crossing their fingers and hoping for ‘The Hitman’ remains injury free.