IPL 2022: Predicting first-choice overseas players of Mumbai Indians

Five time champions Mumbai Indians will look to extend their dominance by winning the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise, after retaining its four core members including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard, purchased a total of 21 players in the mega auction.

IPL’s most successful franchise made smart overseas buys including allrounder Tim David, Dewald Brevis, Riley Meredith, and Fabien Allen. MI also spent a whooping amount of INR 8 crore on express pacer Jofra Archer, but it has been confirmed that he won’t be available for this year’s edition.

In this article, we will predict MI four best overseas player combination for IPL 2022

1. Kieron Pollard

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard who has been an integral part of MI for past several years was retained by the franchise at a cost of INR 6 crore. Pollard has been the back-bone of MI lower middle order for past many seasons and will look to emulate his performance in the upcoming season as well.

Pollard, in 178 IPL matches, has scored 3,268 runs at a strike of 150. The 34-year old batter has played some of the most amazing knocks including his 60 runs off just 32 balls he made during the finals of 2013 IPL against CSK. MI were struggling at one stage but eventually went to win the match by 23 runs and lifted the title as well.

In previous seasons, Pollard alongside the Pandya brothers used to demolish the opposition bowlers. MI have lost the Pandya brothers so Kieron Pollard’s role will become much more important in this season.

2. Daniel Sams

Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams was purchased by MI at a cost of INR 2.60 crore in the mega auction. The 29-year old is a star in Big Bash League. However, he has not been able do justice to his talent at the national level.

In seven T20I matches, Sams has just made 72 runs but has a phenomenal strike rate of almost 190. He has also taken four wickets while representing Australia. Previously, he has been involved with Delhi Capitals in IPL.

Historically, MI is known to back the all-rounder a lot and they will need someone to replace the likes of Hardik Pandya in the team. Sams can be the perfect replacement for Pandya as he can score some quick runs during the death overs and bowl at start or in the middle-overs as well.

3. Tim David

Right-handed batter Tim David was bagged by MI at a cost of INR 8.25 crore. Known for his hard hitting ability, David has proved his mettle in various T20 leagues in the world. The 25-year old batter was with Royal Challengers Bangalore last season but he only played one match for the franchise.

In his T20 career, David has scored 429 runs at an average of 47.67 with a phenomenal strike rate of 157.72. The batter has represented several franchises including Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, Lahore Qalandars, Southern Brave and Multan Sultans among other teams.

Hailing from Singapore which is not much recognized for cricket but David has kept his cricket on fire. The batter will look to show his talent playing for the five time champions.

4. Tymal Mills

Known for his back of the hand slower deliveries Tymal Mills will be looking to be a perfect death bowling partner for pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Recognized as T20 specialist, Mills has the ability to deceive the batters with his several varieties of slower balls.

Mills who has represented England in 12 T20 matches has taken 11 wickets at a strike rate of 22.73. Although, the-29 year old doesn’t have much to show for at the international level, Mills holds a lot of experience after playing several franchise based cricket all around the world.

The 29-year old was picked by the franchise at a cost of INR 1.5 crore at the mega auction. Mills is highly expected to play all of the games for Mumbai Indians.