Mumbai Cricket has seen the rise of a number of local heroes thanks to the city’s very own league, T20 Mumbai. With the league stage now done and dusted, the big boys now gear up to put it all on the line for the biggest prize of all - the right to be crowned the first #CricketChaRaja. Here is a SWOT analysis of the teams and what fans can look forward to in the coming days.

Triumph Knights Mumbai North East - Chase Masters

A team which has become known as the chase masters of the league, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East will look to capitalise on the momentum they bring into the playoffs and go straight through to the finals in the first qualifier itself.

Strengths

Proven bench strength with most players getting at least one game and contributing.

They have big hitters in their ranks who can rescue the team from any situation.

Their spinners have been doing well.

Weaknesses

Seamers haven’t been able to bowl well consistently and picking enough wickets.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has failed to score big which might weigh on his confidence.

Opportunities

The playoffs should get the best out of Suryakumar, who is known to be a big-stage player.

Of the 4 matches they won 3 have come chasing, proving them to be the kings of the chase in T20 Mumbai.

Threats

If the spinners fail to make an impact, they could falter

Team might be over-relying on Akash Parkar to finish games which could hurt the team. He has been delivering so far, but the team needs more heroes to step up.

NaMo Bandra Blasters - The Shreyas Iyer show

After the dominating display in their final league stage match, NaMo Bandra Blasters have staked a strong claim for the T20 Mumbai title. Captain Shreyas Iyer has been talismanic and his efficient captaincy has served the team well.

Strengths

Shreyas Iyer has been in good form at the top with 4 half centuries and is the league’s top scorer so far.

Their bowling attack has been doing well in patches – especially the experienced Pravin Tambe.

Weaknesses

Barring Shreyas Iyer, Aman Hakim Khan and recently wicketkeeper Eknath Kerkar the batting order has been nothing to write home about.

Their bowlers tend to crumble if put under too much pressure too early.

Opportunities

With the bowling attack doing well, Blasters can look to bowl their opposition out cheaply

Shreyas will look to score big again with new opening partner Kerkar.

Threats

Nobody has put their hand up while batting barring two or three and any injury or loss of form could prove deadly.

One bad day for the bowlers could spell trouble at a time when every game is vital.

SoBo SuperSonics - The Complete Package

One of the most well-rounded sides in T20 Mumbai, SoBo SuperSonics will look to extend their domination of the league by making short work of their opponents in the first Qualifier. Their side has the firepower but it will all come down to how long they can sustain their high intensity style of playing.

Strengths

Their top order has performed well consistently, especially Jay Bista, Aakarshit Gomel and Sujit Nayak.

Captain Abhishek Nayar and the team’s fast bowling unit have been doing the job for them.

Weaknesses

They are not the strongest of teams in the spin department

As an all-rounder Abhishek Nayar is yet to get going with the bat which may start affecting his bowling and captaincy decisions in the pressure games.

Opportunities

Opener Jay Bista is in the top 5 run scorers of the league and in contention to finish with the most runs in the league.

Threats

A collapse in the top order could push the middle order in deep waters and a situation they aren’t used to.

Shivaji Park Lions - Legacy of the Lions

With the historic Shivaji Park in their team name the expectations from the team are sky-high. They have the strength in their bowling but their batsmen will need to step up to the challenge as they get ready to face tough opponents in the eliminator.

Strengths

Opener and current captain Bravish Shetty has been in top notch form for the Lions with the bat.

Shivam Dubey has proven to be a true all-rounder and has time and time again shown great potency with the ball and bat.

Their seamers have been doing the job for them in the early over putting oppositions under pressure with their accuracy.

Weaknesses

They lack the panache in the middle order which sees them having to settle for sub-par totals despite strong starts.

Injury concerns for Siddhesh Lad could hurt them going forward as they lack someone with his experience to guide them in the middle overs.

Opportunities

Bravish Shetty has the chance to score more runs and try climb to the top of the top run-scorers list.

Shivam Dubey can make a name for himself as a top all-rounder and get into the spotlight.

Threats

With Siddhesh Lad already doubtful, another injury to a regular Lions starter could leave the seriously wounded, especially with their bench being untested.

Their middle order looks susceptible to buckling under pressure.