Mumbai Indians have had a disastrous start to their campaign. After a hat trick of losses everyone expected them to build up on the win against the RCB but things have turned out different.
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They faltered against the Sunrisers Hyderabad chasing a mere 118 which resulted in an embarrassment. One can’t say they haven’t been impressive but they just haven’t been mature enough to finish games off.
Going through a rough patch they visit the much fancied and in form Chennai Super Kings in Pune. Mumbai Indians will be facing not only a well oiled unit in the face of CSK but also a side who knows how to win. Mumbai face an uphill task against the CSK and would be hoping for a miracle to turn their season around.
MI finds itself at the bottom of the table and a few of the players deserve to be blamed for this. Keiron Pollard and Hardik Pandya both of whom were retained have absolutely not been able repay the faith shown by the management.
Both of them have contributed only in the fielding department and look out of sorts otherwise. Pollard has been rather subdued so far and one must wonder how long is MI going to persist with him.
The flamboyance of Hardik Pandya might help his dance moves but that’s certainly not helping him improve his game. If his pathetic run of form continue he’ll definitely see himself out of the MI squad but soon might the axe from the national side too.
However there have been some shining stars in this cluster of chaos. Suryakumar Yadav at the top has been in excellent form and has notched up a flurry of important scores.
He provides the much need solidarity to the batting line up and complements Evin Lewis at the top very well. Mayank Markande has been the revelation of the season so far. The young leggie has impressed one and all and he might very well be the first name Mahela Jayawardene puts on the team sheet.
The bowling has looked good but the form of Mustafizur might be a cause of concern. This might be the right time to unleash Kiwi pacer Adam Milne and partner him with Bumrah.
There are chances JP Duminy can be selected in place of Keiron Pollard. Personally I would like to see some youngsters like Tajinder Dhillon or Anukul Roy in place of Hardik Pandya who has been dismal so far.
We’ll have to wait and see if these harsh and tough calls are taken by the Mumbai Indians Management. This could very well be the tonic that brings around a change of fortunes for the defending champions.
Predicted XI :
Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (W), Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Tajinder Dhillon, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Mayank Markande, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah.
