IPL 2022 | Remodelled Mumbai Indians shed off invincibility

Five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in the last nine seasons is not an easy feat, but the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have done the unthinkable, pipping their competitors on several occasions in the World's grandest T20 extravaganza.

MI will head into the tournament to write another glory chapter but surprisingly as an underdog this time around. After a forgetful campaign last year, skipper Rohit Sharma has a task up his sleeves to bring the same magic out of their new recruits.

Acquiring Ishan Kishan for INR 15.25 crore, Mumbai Indians will likely slot the youngster at his preferred position, pushing him as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav will continue at number three, which is his usual batting position for MI. Tilak Varma can be used in the middle-order, while foreign power-hitters Tim David and Daniel Sams need to perform the finishing duties. Daniel Sams will play as an all-rounder and must replicate his BBL success in the IPL. 

Instead of Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians have the option to use Tamil Nadu's Sanjay Yadav. 

Where did they finish last year?

Mumbai Indians entered the competition as favourites but unexpectedly finished at the fifth spot with seven wins in 14 matches.

Squad for IPL 2022

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, Dewald Brevis, Basil Thampi, Murugan Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, N Tilak Varma, Sanjay Yadav, Jofra Archer, Daniel Sams, Tymal Mills, Tim David, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Arshad Khan, Anmolpreet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rahul Buddhi, Hrithik Shokeen, Arjun Tendulkar, Aryan Juyal, Fabian Allen.

Strongest Playing XI

Rohit Sharma ©, Ishan Khan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Jaydev Unadkat, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Murugan Ashwin

Flaws

For MI, the problem lies in their past standards. While their top-order looks rock solid, Tilak Varma at number four is not a surety like Tim David, who is yet to be tested in the IPL. Kieron Pollard has shown signs of vain for the West Indies and was not at his best for Mumbai last season. Daniel Sams can chip in with quick-fire runs, but expectations cannot be sky-high as they were until the previous year from Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. 

MI spent INR 8 crore on Jofra Archer, who they knew would be available from IPL 2023. The move is planned for the future, but their present does not hold much light.

Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, the franchise lacks a reliable T20 bowler. Daniel Sams, Tymal Mills, and Jaydev Unadkat will likely make the starting XI but do these names weigh confidence? Trent Boult's absence in the powerplay will probably be felt as Mumbai will search for wickets in the opening overs.

Murugan Ashwin and Tilak Varma will offer the spin-bowling option. Again, this department lacks depth. MI can also go for another option in the form of Fabian Allen by dropping Daniel Sams. Mayank Markande can be used in place of Murugan Ashwin as well.

X-Factor 

Singapore's T20 sensation Tim David has already been rising the ranks, making a name for himself in prominent franchise-based competitions, including the BBL and PSL. Although he is yet to make his debut in the IPL, Mumbai depends on him to solve their middle-order muddle. Tim has accumulated 1,016 runs in 31 matches at an average of 34.2 and strike rate of 159, respectively.

Analysis 

Our prediction says that the Mumbai Indians will not make the playoffs and eventually end at the fifth/sixth spot on the points table. Their unsettled new group would need time settling in and can eat up a major part of this season while doing so.