With IPL 2020 auctions scheduled on 19th December 2019 which is just a week from now, all analysts have already started predicting bids for the prominent players who will look to make a strong statement in the world’s toughest t20 competition. T20 is a game of specialists, every franchise will try to fill each department with several backups and only play the best combination and not the best player.
Spectators will also be interested in Mumbai Indians’ buys this year.
After releasing 12 players the defending champions have slots for 5 domestic and 2 foreign players. However, the management will like players in 3 departments – wrist spin, middle order, and an Indian fast bowler. The 3 players that can be targeted by the Mumbai Indians are:
1) Eoin Morgan:
England’s limited-overs captain is one of the hottest properties in the league this year. He has had below-average IPL seasons first with Sunrisers Hyderabad and the with Kings XI Punjab last year. Despite his poor numbers in the league, Mumbai would want to have this expert middle-order batsman in order to strengthen their middle order.
The Wankhede camp has a few hard-hitting batsmen to fill those slots, but a specialist who can carry the innings past the middle overs will be in demand. Morgan’s excellent touch against New Zealand will add to his case.
2) Piyush Chawla:
This leg spinner had been Kolkata Knight Riders’ go-to man for so many seasons before the franchise let him go this season. Piyush boasts 150 wickets at a decent economy of 7.82 runs per over. Mumbai Indians would want a dependable Indian spinner to support a young Rahul Chahar. Krunal Pandya does give them an option as an additional spinner but on Wankhede’s flat track, Piyush’s experience could be helpful.
3) Jaydev Unadkat:
Jaydev played for Rajasthan Royals as the highest Indian bid for the past two seasons. However, he didn’t live up to his price tag in either of them. The 28-year-old pacer is known for his subtle variations in 20 over games. Unadkat’s ability to fox the batsman has come under the spotlight many times but he has struggled in the past two seasons.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians who already have a strong pace attack that includes prominent foreign bowlers like Malinga, Boult, and McClenaghan will like to have an additional Indian pacer to cover up for Bumrah and Dhawal Kulkarni. Jaydev brings experience and a death bowling package along.
