Squad analysis IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians
What's the story
Mumbai Indians will need their core-players to deliver the goods if they want to defend the title. Heavy on uncapped players, Mumbai's batting looks a bit scratchy, besides their 'non-existent' spin attack . Out of 18 players from the winning squad of 2017, only six players remain with Mumbai for IPL11. In this article we analyse the squad of Mumbai Indians.
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New entrants
Mumbai's batting a surprise package
Rohit Sharma is the fulcrum of the side and needs to deliver from day one to lay a strong foundation. West Indies power hitter Evin Lewis, who has two T20I centuries will open the innings. A lot of faith has been put in young Ishan Kishan and his approach will be key. The middle-order consists of Suryakumar Yadav, JP Duminy and Saurabh Tiwary.
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JP Duminy needs to anchor the middle-order
With not many big stars in the middle-order, South African veteran JP Duminy needs to come good more often. His ability to set the tempo and confidence in the middle overs will be a big factor. He has 1,993 runs in 77 matches in IPL.
Big impact
All-rounders are the identity for MI
The team have gone big on all-rounders. Mumbai were successful last season with the likes of Pandya brothers coming good together. The duo will once again add a lot of intelligence in the side. Kieron Pollard has been a long serving member and he will be their go to man. Australia's Ben Cutting, a success in the BBL, is a solid addition as well.
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Pollard holds the fort in all-round skills
Kieron Pollard will be looking forward to repay the faith MI have showed in him after they used the RTM card. Since 2010, he has been part of three title winning campaigns and his knowledge and experience will be of big help to the youngsters.
Pace attack
Mumbai pacers are of huge interest
MI have gone into IPL 2018 with a lethal pace battery. Jasprit Bumrah, a revelation in T20s, will be the leader as Australia's Pat Cummins is an assured entity. Mustafizur Rahman serves the punch with Jason Behrendorff in the support cast alongside Pradeep Sangwan. Spin lacks the punch for Mumbai. Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya leads the line with Rahul Chahar as the back-up.
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Bumrah the key to get wickets
Bumrah has become a rising figure in world cricket and his brilliance for MI is unquestionable. He has the ability to take wickets and is very productive at the death. He has 47 wickets in 46 matches and is a bright talent.
Personal
What's our take on Mumbai Indians?
With the spin attack lacking the firepower and very little depth in the batting, a lot of responsibility will be on the all-rounders to come good. With the experience, a fight for top four will be expected, but they may just miss the bus.