Mumbai Indians' Top Six Look Strong, But... Aakash Chopra Points Out Weakness
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side [Twitter]
In an exclusive preview of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) match, Former India cricketer, Aakash Chopra, has highlighted the lack of depth in the Indian seam-bowling department of the Mumbai Indians franchise. Although Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians are favorites to clinch the first-ever WPL trophy, Chopra believes that their weakness in the fast bowling department might lead to them leaving out a couple of overseas all-rounders.
In a YouTube video on his channel, Chopra stated that the Mumbai Indians have created a team that is formidable in strength and talent, with an impressive array of versatile players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and Pooja Vastrakar.
The Indian veteran further said that moreover, Mumbai have the added advantage of having two more all-rounders in Heather Graham and Chloe Tryon. Although Chopra thinks that Isabelle Wong might be selected over them because of the weak Indian fast-bowling contingent.
The cricketer turned commentator also mentioned that the top six Mumbai Indian players, including Mathews, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet, Kerr, Natalie, and Vastrakar are all extremely talented. However, he observed that their dominance is not as evident in the bowling department.
To add more strength to their bowling, Chopra believes that they may have to exclude some overseas all-rounders. The former opener also suggested that Chloe Tryon could be selected if required, but if not, Isabelle Wong might be considered instead. He also anticipated Amanjot Kaur playing, but at the same time, he thinks that the Mumbai Indians' bowling capabilities may have some weaknesses that need to be addressed.
Mumbai Indians will square off with Gujarat Giants in the tournament opener on Saturday, March 4. The highly-anticipated match will be played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai.