Even though the 14th season of the IPL (2021) is four months away, talks about the retention of players and trading window has started with the date for the Auction coming closer. BCCI announced that there won’t be a Mega Auction before this season as the addition of new teams has been postponed by a year i.e., 2022. But there will be a Mini Auction before the season starts, and it is likely to be held on 11th January.
The deadline to announce the list of retained and released players is January 21 and the deadline for the trading window is February 4. Mumbai Indians who defended their title successfully in IPL 2020 are known to make some great trades in the trading window. They are constantly trying to make their team stronger which is not a great sign for the other teams. So, let’s have a look at the five players MI should release during the IPL 2021 trade window and look for other options.
5. Anukul Roy
Anukul Roy is a left-arm orthodox spinner who can bat a bit down the order. He was a part of the 2018 U-19 World Cup team which India won under the leadership of Prithvi Shaw. He is a like to like replacement for Krunal Pandya and that’s why he is in the MI Squad. In the last season, he came out on the field as a substitute and took some spectacular catches.
But Mumbai Indians could think of trading him with a strong player. Roy has the talent, but he is not experienced enough so if MI could get a similar experienced player then they might think of trading the youngster in IPL 2021.
4. Jayant Yadav
Jayant Yadav is an off-spinner who has represented India in Test cricket. Mumbai Indians bought him from Delhi Capitals on a trade, and they have used him wisely. They have picked him only when the opposition has left-handers in their team and their move has worked almost every time.
MI might think of getting in a leg-spinner in place of Yadav because their spin bowling department is a bit weak. Apart from Chahar and Pandya, they don’t have many options. A leg-spinner like Amit Mishra could be a good option with all his experience. He doesn’t have age on his side but with a mega auction coming up next year he could be the perfect option for just one season.
3. Mitchell McClenaghan
The left-arm quick has been an integral part of the MI team in the previous seasons but this year he didn’t get a single game. He was warming the bench throughout the season, so MI might think of trading him for another overseas fast bowler.
CSK’s Lungi Ngidi or SRH’s Billy Stanlake could be good options for the Kiwi quick. Stanlake can get the extra bounce on that Wankhede pitch which might make life difficult for the batsmen. MI could think of these trades for the upcoming trade window.
2. Sherfane Rutherford
Mumbai Indians got Sherfane Rutherford from the Delhi Capitals in the last trading window, but they didn’t give him a single opportunity. He has the talent but is pretty much untested in the IPL. In place of Rutherford, MI might try to get in another similar player for IPL 2021.
Jason Holder from SRH can be an option for a possible trade. Holder has the experience and lately, he has been performing exceptionally well in the shortest format. Holder has worked with Pollard and that combination could work well for the MI team.
1. Chris Lynn
Mumbai Indians bought Chris Lynn at 2 CR in the last auction but just like many other players, he was warming on the bench for the full season. Lynn is a terrific player, but MI has a couple of openers in their team. Quinton De Kock is doing a great job and Ishan Kishan has shown that he is ready to open anytime.
MI can think of getting in a youngster and make him a big player. Ruturaj Gaikwad from the Chennai Super Kings could be a good trade, but CSK doesn’t do many trades, so it would be difficult for them to get him. Mumbai Indians can try such a trade in this year’s trading window.
