IPL 2019: Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team

#5 Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have a strong Indian nucleus

Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Anmolpreet Singh, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Ben Cutting, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Pankaj Jaswal, Siddhesh Lad, Evin Lewis, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lasith Malinga, Mayank Markande, Adam Milne, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Rasikh Salam, Anukul Roy, Yuvraj Singh, Barinder Singh, Aditya Tare, Jayant Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav

Strengths

Having included Quinton de Kock into the squad, Mumbai Indians bolstered their top order by substantial notches. With Even Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav already present, it allows Rohit Sharma to tinker with the team’s order.

They also possess IPL’s most successful bowler in Lasith Malinga. Although he may not be at his deadly best due to his age, the Sri Lankan offers a huge off-field asset to the side. The team also has Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell McClenaghan and the world-class Jasprit Bumrah. Their fast bowling, therefore, looks solid.

The Pandya brothers are a splendid duo, as well.

Weaknesses

The main problem for Mumbai Indians is Rohit Sharma’s batting position. He drifted from the top to number 4 last season, but only played a couple of decent innings. He needs to get going and pick his spot immediately.

Next, the likes of Kieron Pollard and Yuvraj Singh do not have age and form on their side, which makes the Mumbai middle-order look highly fragile.

Verdict

MI have the winning formula and a master tactician in Rohit Sharma. They will have to keep it tight in the death overs and fix their batting order in the first two matches itself. Otherwise, they are a star-studded side, more than capable of winning the trophy once again.