Mumbai Indians have lost 6 of the 8 matches that they have played in this season. The defending champions are looking unsure about their combination, and they have not been able to decide their best XI. In the last match against the Chennai Super Kings, their fortress was breached and the 10 match unbeaten run at their home ground, came to an end.
Mumbai Indians have a bag full of problems to worry about.
1) Rohit Sharma should open the innings
In the last 12 months or so, Rohit Sharma has been the first choice opener for the Team India, in the limited overs cricket. Rohit has been very successful at the top of the order, and this is where he should bat for the Mumbai Indians as well. In this season, Rohit hasn’t been in the best of the form, and to get his form and confidence back; he must bat at the top. His partner should be Lendl Simmons, who is an attacking batsman and can take the attack to opposition right from the first ball.
2) It will be a big mistake to ignore Pragyan Ojha.
Pragyan Ojha is one of the most experienced spinners in India at the moment. And his ability to bowl with the new ball is very underrated. Having Pragyan Ojha in the team will allow Mumbai Indians to attack with spin in the first six overs, and also, Ojha’s left arm orthodox will add more variety to their attack.
3) Ambati Rayudu needs to take up the wicket keeping role.
Ambati Rayudu picked up the job of a wicket keeper for Mumbai Indians in the last season of the IPL. For the better balance of the team, Rayudu should take up this role in this season as well. This will allow Mumbai Indians to have an extra bowler in the form of Pragyan Ojha.
4) Either Pollard or Anderson should bat in the top 4.
Over the years, we have seen teams wasting their big hitters, by giving them just 10 balls to face in the middle. And, Mumbai Indians’ Pollard is the best example.
This year, Mumbai Indians have two power hitters in the form of Pollard and Anderson. And one of these should get to face at least 20 balls in the middle, in every match.
Your best batsmen must get to face the maximum number of balls.
PLAYING XI
Rohit Sharma, Lendl Simmons, Ambati Rayudu(WK), Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard, CM Gautam, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Lasith Malinga, Pragyan Ojha, Jasprit Bumrah
