The IPL 2024 auction, a cricketing spectacle held in Dubai on December 19, 2023, witnessed some riveting moments and strategic moves by various franchises. Among them, the Mumbai Indians (MI), a team with a storied history in the league, made headlines for both smart acquisitions and, surprisingly, a couple of notable blunders.
MI’s squad, post-auction, appears formidable and well-balanced, covering nearly all aspects of the game. Analysing their purchases and the final squad composition, it’s evident that they approached the auction with a clear strategy. From powerful batting line-ups to a potent bowling attack, MI seemingly addressed their weaknesses effectively.
2 Big Blunders Made By Mumbai Indians In The IPL 2024 Auction
1. Lack of world-class spinners
However, upon closer inspection, a chink in their armour emerges—the loss of spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.5 crore. In the chess game of auctions, MI faltered, missing out on a dynamic player who could have brought versatility to their lineup. Wanindu Hasaranga, a wrist spinner of immense talent, not only adds depth to the bowling department but also provides a formidable option with the bat. MI’s decision to let him slip through their fingers may be the only misstep in an otherwise astute auction strategy.
On a positive note, MI did secure the services of Mohammad Nabi, an experienced all-rounder from Afghanistan. Nabi’s wealth of experience, coupled with his off-spin and batting capabilities, makes him a valuable asset. However, at 38 years old, Nabi’s longevity with the team might be a concern. MI should have considered a long-term plan, and Hasaranga could have been the ideal investment for the future. The spin attack does not have a leader.
2. The Bumrah Dilemma: Lack of Indian Replacement
MI’s bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, is undoubtedly one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. His ability to deliver under pressure and consistently trouble batsmen is unparalleled. However, every team faces the inevitable challenge of dealing with player injuries, and MI is no exception.
The second notable blunder surfaces when contemplating a scenario where Bumrah is sidelined due to injuries. MI lacks a ready-to-go, world-class replacement who is also Indian. In T20 cricket, having a backup of Bumrah’s calibre is essential. MI’s failure to secure a suitable understudy in the auction could prove to be a vulnerability that opponents may look to exploit.
