The number of days remaining for IPL 2020 is in single digits. Today we take a closer look at the team which needs no introduction, the Mumbai Indians.
The Mumbai Indians hold the record for winning the IPL for a whopping four times. They also hold the record for the most number of IPL wins (107). Needless to say, the team has provided team India with world-class cricketers like Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ambati Rayadu, etc.
We will closely examine each and every aspect of one of the most important teams of the IPL.
History
The Indians started showing their calibre in the first season as well. After losing the first four matches, the team went to win six consecutively to finish fifth. MI hasn’t looked back ever since. The franchise went on to qualify for playoffs for the next six years from 2010 to 2016. The team made into playoffs under the leadership of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and veteran Harbhajan Singh.
However, it was until 2013 when a young Rohit Sharma took the captaincy mid-season from Ricky Ponting. Sharma led MI to their first IPL trophy in that season itself. He has led MI to four IPL trophies in seven years becoming the most successful IPL captain.
They have also featured legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Pointing, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shaun Pollock, Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh.
2008: 5th place
2009: 7th place
2010: 2nd place
2011: 4th place
2012: 4th place
2013: Champions
2014: 4th place
2015: Champions
2016: 5th place
2017: Champions
2018: 5th place
2019: Champions
Squad for IPL 2020
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai Singh, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare, Quinton de Kock, Rahul Chahar, Anukul Roy, Jayant Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, Dhawal Kulkarni, Nathan colter-Nile, Mohsin Khan and James Pattinson.
How will they perform in IPL 2020?
BATTING – The Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup is pretty much the same as it was last year. The franchise likes to establish consistency. This time, however, they have made it even more equipped. Rohit Sharma will open the batting alongside dynamic keeper-batsman, Quinton de Kock. They will be followed by the young yet IPL tested duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan.
Their strength and in a way weakness is their lower middle-order. They will have the brutally attacking trio of Keiron Pollard, Hardik and Krunal Pandya. There has been a consistency issue for them, however, even if one of them performs, it will be dangerous for the opposing team.
Another X-factor the MI have is the signing of Chris Lynn. Getting Lynn for a relatively low fee was a steal. Though he may be used sparingly, he can be a dangerous option at opening and number 3 spot as well.
BOWLING – The bowling has been a sort of relative weakness for the Indians. The attack will be efficiently led by one of the best, Jasprit Bumrah. Due to Lasith Malinga’s withdrawal, he may be replaced probably by Mitchell McClenaghan. McClenaghan has been a man with a golden arm, however, can be expensive at times. McClenaghan’s economy and Malinga’s withdrawal should not be an issue for MI as they have many options like Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and James Pattinson. They also have an experienced Dhawal Kulkarni who can chip in if they want to make the batting stronger by adding Lynn.
The spin bowling has been looking really formidable as well. Rahul Chahar became a prime bowler during the last season especially. He will be assisted by allrounder Krunal Pandya. Pandya can be extremely handy but a bit expensive at times. He will be useful in UAE pitches due to his pace variation. They also have veteran Jayant Yadav as an off-spinning option who can bat as well.
It’s safe to say that Mumbai Indians are the strongest side going into IPL 2020. If their middle-order and economy of bowlers hold up, they will once again be the favorites to lift the Trophy.
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