IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians SWOT Analysis

MI in IPL 2021: Opportunities

Suryakumar Yadav was one of Mumbai's stellar's performers last IPL season.

1. MI's history of encouraging their bench and promoting young talent

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan come to the forefront when it comes to 'second-string' stars flexing their muscle. Mumbai has had the distinction of blooding young talent and providing a ticket to local superstars to go out and express themselves.

Arjun Tendulkar will be one to have plenty of eyes on him. He may not have made a stellar debut yet, but this edition might be his first litmus test in making his mark in the cricketing world.

2. Cementing their legacy

Some of the greatest sports teams/franchises across the world kept dishing out spectacular seasons one after another— The Chicago Bulls in the NBA, FC Barcelona in football, and Mercedes in Formula One.

The Mumbai Indians have a chance to go for a sixth title run with a sorted core set of players. Not only would this make them the greatest IPL franchise, but it would also cement their legacy as a successful one.

MI in IPL 2021: Threats

Mumbai Indians will be wary of crumbling under the weight of immense expectations in IPL 2021.

1. Crumble under the weight of their own expectations

A largely successful franchise is expected to set standards and vault them by the edition. Mumbai Indians are no different when it comes to that aspect. However, the pressure to keep succeeding by the match can lead to cracks in the camp.

Chennai Super Kings are a classic example of a team collapsing in its attempt to chase greatness and maintain continuity. Marred by injuries and lack of form, MS Dhoni's men exited quite early in IPL 2020. The Mumbai Indians will have to be wary of something similar happening to the team and will be keen on going off the rails.

Much of Mumbai's success hinges on how their stars fare, and should one of them go through a prolonged form slump, expect the team's fortunes to see a major dip. That, though, seems unlikely considering how the young stars have fared in recent times.