Welcome to the objective IPL preview series!
Yes, the IPL is back.
Fans – no check
In India – no check
No major pandemic plaguing the world calling for numerous safety procedures – no check
Epic Entertaining Cricket – CHECK
What with all the problems this year, I can only be glad that the IPL is happening.
So now that the IPL will soon be back, it’s that time of the year for a team analysis! What better team to start with then the defending champions and quite obviously the best team in the IPL. Sorry, am I not supposed to be biased here? Someone call the preview cops.
The Mumbai Indians have undoubtedly been the most successful team in the tournament, having won the most titles and matches. From their scouting system, management, rock solid core and of course the unwavering support from the fans, the reasons are abundant.
In recent times, Mumbai Indians have always been favourites to win the title. They have a phenomenally strong side with their fiery pace attack – this time stronger than ever before – which is the undisputed best. On top of which, they have the regulars who make up that spine, headed by the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya with Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard too.
Let’s take a look at their probable playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Quinton De Kock
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ishan Kishan
- Hardik Pandya
- Kieron Pollard
- Krunal Pandya
- Rahul Chahar
- Nathan Coulter-Nile
- Trent Boult
- Jasprit Bumrah
Take one look at this lineup and tell me it’s not impressive, tell me it’s not worthy of champions. What’s more awesome than the lineup is the bench strength. Players like Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Dhawal Kulkarni and Jayant Yadav just warming the bench. This will definitely give Mumbai the freedom to experiment. They can beef up the batting a little by replacing Kishan or SKY with Lynn depending on form and can swap Dhawal Kulkarni in for Mitch. Another interesting option would be to add Jayant Yadav to make the spin department more versatile. What’s also commendable is that these players are perfect replacements for the starters, Lynn for De Kock, Coulter for Mitch or Boult and Kulkarni for Bumrah. These options will also minimise the effect that Malinga’s loss will have.
The pace attack is evidently stacked for MI and it will cause some serious problems for opponents especially during the death with the dynamic duo of Bumrah and Boult. Mitch’s variations should also prove handy. However, what may come back to haunt them is their lack of spin options since the UAE pitches are very slow and offer far more turn than bounce making them extremely spinner friendly. The only complete spinner they have is Chahar who is inexperienced but has had a good run of form. Their 2nd spinner is Krunal Pandya but he’s only part time and can’t give them that killer touch they really need so the middle overs may be a concern.
As for the batting, the openers look electrifying and we all know what can happen if RoHIT MAN is in form. Next on the roster is SKY, who has been exceedingly consistent in the last 2 seasons but still hasn’t earned the complete trust for the No.3 spot. Ishan Kishan comes in at No.4 and as a promising youngster, I thought he would bring a lot to the table but he hasn’t performed up to the mark. His aggressive style of playing (vs KKR in 2018) which can be awesome when it works is cloaked by his consistent failures.
However, further down the order, things start to get spiced up once again. The Pandya Brothers are amongst the the best all rounders in the game and Hardik Pandya provides that vital finishing touch. They bring some much needed balance to the team. Kieron Pollard is a story we’re all familiar with. Flashes of brilliance and stories of failure with the latter being more common. However, he ended rather successfully in the previous season and is coming off a blazing CPL season. While he obviously will not bowl as he did in CPL (his successful CPL bowling just doesn’t work in IPL), MI will hope his batting form carries on. It is important to acknowledge what he brings to the camp in terms of leadership. He is vice captain and often mentors the team which could be a leading factor in motivating them to play the way they do (also captained his team – the Trinbago Knight Riders – to the CPL win). Lastly, Pollard will always be that guy who replies when you scream from the stands and is stunning while fielding.
The team looks fabulous and I sincerely hope they can break that even year jinx and light up this horrible year. Their spin and middle order weakness is what may just prove to be their downfall but I believe in them. If I had to predict, I would say they would reach the playoffs and are going to be front runners for the title.
That’s it for this one. Hope y’all enjoyed the most objective preview ever. Stay tuned for more.
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