With almost two weeks left for the much-awaited festival of cricket, the fans are set to be entertained once again in the 2023 Indian Premier League edition. Gujarat Titans, who won the title in their inaugural edition, will take on the Lions of the league, Chennai Super Kings.
Hardik Pandya, who had been a vital part of Mumbai Indians for years, had a terrific 2022 IPL as a captain. On the other hand, this is going to be MS Dhoni’s last edition so expect more emotions than boundaries in the CSK dugout.
The five-time IPL champion, Mumbai Indians are the strongest side in the league with Rohit Sharma being their skipper. The inclusion of Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah over the years had made this team the best in any of the leagues.
Now, as the Carribean all-rounder won’t be available as a player for Rohit & Co., also the absence of Bumrah from their squad, things could change a bit for sure in this edition. Here is the analysis of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2023:
A look at last season’s performance
Mumbai Indians had a forgettable outing in the IPL 2022 with just four victories in 14 matches. They were at the bottom of the table when the season culminated. Newly signed player Ishan Kishan was the top scorer for his side with 418 runs in 14 matches. He scored three half-centuries with the highest score being 81.
Ishan Kishan was the highest run-scorer for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2022
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah picked up 15 wickets in 14 matches which was an ordinary performance from a top-class bowler. All-rounder Kieron Pollard had a terrible outing with the bat and skipper Rohit Sharma too disappointed with his willow.
Mumbai Indians, being a top-notch side, were at their lowest during the last season but the franchise knows how to make a strong comeback in the big tournament. They might miss the services of Kieron Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya to some extent but it’s time for new players to perform collectively and grab the sixth title.
New signings ahead of the 2023 IPL season
Australian players have always been favourites for Mumbai Indians. Even in the IPL auction for the 2023 edition, the management went for top Australian players including Cameron Green and Jhye Richardson. The team management made Green richer with Rs. 17.5 crores whereas Richardson was bought for Rs. 1.5 crores.
Not only these two, but Tim David has also been a regular part of Mumbai Indians in the playing XI. If Green and Richardson make it to the final XI, then all three Australians are set to play together alongside Archer who will be the fourth overseas player in the squad.
Apart from overseas players, Piyush Chawla was another known character who was bought by the biggest franchise. Apart from the leggie, Duan Jansen, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal, Shams Mulani and Vishnu Vinod were some of the other players bought by Mumbai Indians.
Predicted Starting XI
Cameron Green, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma ©, Tilak Verma, Tim David, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jhye Richardson, Jofra Archer, Arjun Tendulkar
Strengths
Jofra Archer will be the key for Mumbai Indians in the 2023 IPL
Jofra Archer will be the biggest strength of the squad in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Archer was picked up in the last season but couldn’t play due to injury. However, his comeback this season would help Mumbai in their bowling department.
On the batting front, Ishan Kishan will be the key for the team alongside Suryakumar Yadav, who has been exceptional in the shortest format of the game. SKY will have to fire in this season if Mumbai Indians want to make it big this time. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is another strength for the side.
Weaknesses
Power hitting from Kieron Pollard was nostalgia for Mumbai Indians but this time the veteran won’t be there in the squad as a player. With no Hardik Pandya as well, someone has to take the role of a finisher on a regular basis. Lack of regularity in big strokes is a weakness for this side.
Tim David will be the one who can play this role effectively. Apart from David, Dewald Brewis can be the perfect choice for the role.
Mumbai Indians have a bunch of foreign bowlers in the squad but the absence of Jasprit Bumrah is a big shocker for the side. They need an Indian pacer in the squad and currently, Arjun Tendulkar looks like a perfect fit in the XI. He alongside Archer and Richardson can help Mumbai restrict the opposition with their pace but if that ploy fails, MI would be desperate for an Indian fast bowler to bowl on the bouncy Wankhede Stadium pitches.
Season Prediction
Mumbai Indians have been a quality side over the years with five titles to their name. IPL 2022 was the biggest upset for this side but they are always known to make a strong comeback. Hopefully, Rohit Sharma & Co. will be back to their best form keeping in mind Jofra Archer’s addition to the playing XI.
Also, they have some quality overseas players in the form of Tim David, Jhye Richardson and Cameron Green who can turn the game on their own. Overall, MI has a good bunch of overseas and Indian players. Our prediction is that they can easily make it to the playoffs this time.