IPL 2020: Three possible chinks in Mumbai Indians’ armour before auction
The most successful team in IPL history, Mumbai Indians won their fourth title in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling last-ball battle. The victory also highlighted their alternate-year streak. Going into 2020, the defending champions will be aiming to break the streak and lift their fifth silverware. In order to do so, Mumbai Indians will have to ensure a fruitful haul in the upcoming IPL auction which shall be held on 19th December. Here are the key areas, Rohit Sharma and his team need to work upon.
A quality spinner
As of now, Mumbai Indians have three specialist spinners and one spin all-rounder in their sqaud. Rahul Chahar, the 20-year old leggie, was their standout performer in the 2019 IPL. He bowled with an economy rate better than Jasprit Bumrah. Chahar featured in 13 matches while the other two spinners, Jayant Yadav and Anukul Roy, appeared only thrice in the season. Sole reliance on Chahar may put Mumbai in trouble with other teams researching ways to tackle him. A wily spinner like Chris Green or Piyush Chawla can help strengthen Mumbai’s spinning prowess.
An overseas opener
This may sound strange but an opener will help Mumbai in solving their middle-order dilemma. In Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, MI possess a solid batting core but their worries will linger around Ishan Kishan who has not been able to translate his talent into runs. The management released West Indian opener Evin Lewis but looking at his recent form, he may well reclaim his spot. Tom Banton, a destructive batsman from England, is also in running to open the innings alongside De Kock. Having a cracking opener at the top will help Mumbai Indians bolster their middle order.
An Indian pace back-up
Mumbai Indians boast one of the best pace bowling attacks in the tournament. In Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, they have masters of death. Mitchell McClenaghan has served the franchise with distinction. The addition of Trent Boult makes their unit look even more fearsome. However, the Indian side of things is not that bright. Bumrah is recovering from an injury and his fitness shall remain doubtful. Dhawal Kulkarni, the only Indian pace back-up, did not have a memorable IPL 2019 (10 matches, 6 wickets, 9.57 runs conceded per over). Mohit Sharma is an option who is up for grabs.
? We’ll be heading into next month’s #IPLAuction with 7⃣ spots up for grabs!#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/jlN9zznO5A
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 16, 2019
