It was important for Mumbai Indians to make the auction count: Aakash Chopra

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians played their cards at the recently conducted player auction in Kochi. They broke the bank for star Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green, making him their most expensive buy in IPL history, in an attempt to fill the void left by the legendary Kieron Pollard. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reckoned that the Mumbai-based franchise needed to make the auction count after their atrocious outing in IPL 2022.

Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians endured a horrendous campaign in the last edition of the cash-rich league, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins to their name in 14 matches. The Mumbai-based franchise needed to sort their issues, especially in the all-rounder department, after veteran Windies all-rounder Kieron Pollard took up a coaching role in the team, ending his 11-year stint as a MI player.

Cricketer turned expert Aakash Chopra feels that the team is looking in much better shape after the IPL 2023 auction, as the side have made some good signings for the next season. He also added that the return of Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah will be a big boost for the side looking to bounce back from their poor season in style.

"This was an extremely important auction for the Mumbai Indians because they are not used to being where they were last year. They take the penthouse, how will they stay in the basement? But the Mumbai Indians were No. 10, at the bottom. So it was important for them to make the auction count. Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah will be available, so in any case, the team will start looking slightly better," Chopra said in his Youtube video. 

MI will want to play two overseas fast bowlers: Chopra

While the signing of Cameron Green made the headlines for obvious reasons, the former Indian cricketer reckoned that the Mumbai Indians did a tremendous piece of business by signing Jhye Richardson. He also named his four overseas players that will start for the Men in Blue and Gold in IPL 2023.

"Jhye Richardson, in my opinion, is a steal if you are watching the BBL (Big Bash League), which I watch. You will want to play two overseas fast bowlers because the Indian fast bowling quality is not there. So I am thinking one of Jhye Richardson or Jason Behrendoff, Jofra one hundred percent, and then Cameron Green and Tim David. Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis can take a backseat," he added.