IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians eye a dramatic comeback
2013, 2015, 2017. If the arithmetical progression of championships holds true, then Mumbai Indians should clinch their fourth IPL trophy this year. Despite them finishing outside playoffs last year, MI can never be ruled out from the title race. Mumbai fans will be hoping to return in style this year after their well-documented struggles of IPL 2018.
Mumbai Indians are one of the high-profile teams in the IPL. Owned by the business tycoon, Mukesh Ambani, the franchise leaves no stone unturned in its marketing. Their 2018 season documentary ‘Cricket Fever’ on Netflix has been enjoyed and appreciated from all quarters. The series revealed the constant pressure and scrutiny under which the players have to perform.
In the IPL 2019 player auction, MI franchise added Yuvraj Singh, Lasith Malinga, Barinder Sran, Anmolpreet Singh, Pankaj Jaiswal and Rasikh Salam to their roster. They received South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock in a trade with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Mumbai has managed all these additions while maintaining their core intact.
Strengths:
Mumbai Indians derive its massive strength from its core cricketers – Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit is a world-class white-ball batsman while Bumrah has emerged as the best fast bowler across format. Pandya brothers are game-changers with both the bat and the ball whereas T20-veteran Pollard holds a wealth of experience.
Quinton de Kock’s batting has hit a golden patch. Mumbai Indians will be very happy to have him bat in the same vein in the IPL this year. The likes of Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav will also be raring to have another go.
Weaknesses:
The Blue and Gold outfit have a few questions to answer. The uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s batting position is the biggest of their problems. MI is reluctant to have him as an opener, a role in which he has been immensely successful for India. Rohit has struggled in the middle order and it will be interesting to see how Mumbai thinktank will solve this problem.
Lack of an experienced spinner will be another worrying area for Mumbai Indians. Last season, Mayank Markande rose to the occasion and made a mark for himself. However, his bowling lost the charm as the tournament progressed. MI also has 19-year old leggie Rahul Chahar, but he has played only three IPL games. Unless Markande enjoys another spectacular outing, Mumbai will have some trouble with their primary spinner.
X-factor:
Without a doubt, the performance of Pandya brothers will be critical to Mumbai’s success. Hardik Pandya provides firepower in his role as a finisher and is capable pace bowler in middle overs. Krunal, on the other hand, can act as both fire and ice by adjusting his batting style as per requirement. Krunal’s four overs of left-arm spin will test batsmen in every condition.
Mumbai Indians full squad:
Batsmen: Rohit Sharma (C), Evin Lewis, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Suryakumar Yadav
All-rounders – Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Yuvraj Singh, Anukul Roy, Jayant Yadav, Pankaj Jaiswal
Wicket-keepers – Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare
Spinners – Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar
Fast bowlers – Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah, Adam Milne, Jason Behrendorff, Rasikh Salam, Lasith Malinga, Barinder Sran
