IPL 2021 | 3 Players Mumbai Indians (MI) can target in trading window
Mumbai Indians (MI) lifted their fifth IPL title last year in UAE. Led by Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians became only the second side after Chennai Super Kings to retain their IPL trophy. Ahead of the IPL auction, Mumbai did not make any changes to their core set-up. However, MI released four overseas pacers which certainly raised a few eyebrows.
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MI has been the most consistent team in the past few years because they have kept the balance of team almost unchanged. In all fairness, there is only spot in the playing eleven that has to be filled as there are ten sure-shot starters in the lineup provided everyone remains fit and injury-free.
Released: Mitchell McCleneghan, James Pattinson, Lasith Malinga, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sherfane Rutherford, Digvijay Deshmukh, Prince Balwant Rai Singh
Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Aditya Tare, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Dhawal Kulkarni, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Jayant Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Rahul Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Mohsin Khan, Saurabh Tiwary, Trent Boult
Slots Remaining:7 (4 overseas)
Mumbai Indians would be looking forward to remain active in the trading window which closes on February 4. With a purse of just over Rs.15 cr, MI are in a good position to have another tremendous season.
Here are the players, Mumbai Indians can target in the trading window-
Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes can be the overseas pacer Mumbai Indians (MI) may be targeting
Mumbai Indians have made their intentions very clear after releasing four overseas pacers ahead of the auction. It would be no surprise to see Mumbai going after top-rated overseas bowlers in the auction or in the trading window.
Chris Woakes, who missed the IPL 2020 edition will be a good fit at Mumbai Indians who can open the bowling alongside Trent Boult. The all-rounder can come in at number eight and be effective with the bat as well. Currently a part of the Delhi Capitals squad, Woakes might not get to play regularly as the Capitals already possess the services of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. A bowling attack comprising of Chris Woakes, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah is certainly one to fear because of the variety the three possess.
Josh Hazelwood
Josh Hazlewood can make up for the slot emptied by James Pattinson for Mumbai Indians (MI)
Josh Hazelwood, the fiery Australian pacer played just three matches for Chennai Super Kings in the 2020 edition, picking up only one wicket. Hazelwood is not a sure starter for Chennai as their squad includes some big overseas names like Sam Curran, Lungi Ngidi and Dwayne Bravo. The tall Aussie pacer can be a good fit at Mumbai Indians given that he can open the bowling alongside Trent Boult, with Jasprit Bumrah taking charge of the second spell.
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Mitchell Santner
Mumbai Indians (MI) have a weak spin bowling department and Mitchell Santner can strengthen it
Mitchell Santner, the left arm Kiwi spinner played just two matches for CSK last year. A player with the quality that Santner possesses has to be content, sitting on the bench given the overseas player limit in IPL and the depth in the spin bowling department of CSK. Imran Tahir, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma are the leading spin options at Chennai.
MI can target Mitchell Santner in the trading window, as they are short on their spin bowling options. Krunal Pandya was ineffective with the ball for majority of the 2020 season, whereas Rahul Chahar bowled well but did have his off-days. Hence, to bring in someone of Santner’s quality, it will certainly strengthen MI’s bowling lineup.