IPL 2022: SWOT Analysis of Mumbai Indians (MI)

“Our franchise always have a short-term goal and a long-term vision,” said Nita Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, after bagging English pacer Jofra Archer at a staggering amount of INR 8 crore. Notably, the express pacer won’t be available for the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians went into the mega auction with a balance of INR 48 crore from their alloted INR 90 crore amount. The franchise retained four key players – Rohit Sharma (INR 16 crore), Jasprit Bumrah (INR 12 crore), Suryakumar Yadav (INR 8 crore) and Kieron Pollard (INR 6 crore) – ahead of the auction. The franchise then purchased a total of 21 players during the two-day mega auction. The team will be going at a total squad strength of 25 players (17-Indian, eight overseas)

During the auction, Mumbai Indians weren’t shy of going all out for their previous season key performer Ishan Kishan, spending INR 15.25 crore for the destructive wicketkeeper-batter. Mumbai also made some smart buys with the inclusion of all-rounder Tim David (INR 8.25 crore), South Africa young sensation Dewald Brevis (INR 3 crore), left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat (INR 1.30 crore), leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin (INR 1.6 crore) and pacer Basil Thampi (INR 30 lakh) among other players.

Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2022

Rohit Sharma (c) , Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, Dewald Brevis, Anmolpreet Singh, Rahul Buddhi, Aryan Juyal, Basil Thampi, Murugan Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, Tymal Mills, Riley Meredith, N Tilak Varma, Sanjay Yadav, Jofra Archer, Daniel Sams, Tim David, Mohd. Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, Hrithik Shokeen, Arjun Tendulkar, Fabian Allen.

Here’s a SWOT analysis of MI’s squad

Strength: Strong base of core players

Mumbai Indians success lies in their core group. The five-time champions would be hoping that just like their previous seasons, senior player of their squad including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav have a great outing yet again. The franchise will welcome their star performer Ishan Kishan and will expect him to go all guns blazing at top of the order alongside with skipper Rohit. Power hitters like Tim David and Dewald Brevis can provide a strong finish along with Pollard, who will also have a big responsibility since the exclusion of Hardik Pandya from the squad.

Weakness: Death bowling still a concern for Indians

Mumbai Indians will dearly miss the services of express pacer Jofra Archer who would have just not been a perfect partner for Bumrah for sharing the new ball, but the deadly duo could also plug the flow of runs in the death overs. With Archer missing, skipper Rohit will be looking at other available options including Tymal Mills, Riley Meredith, Basil Thampi and Jaydev Unadkat. It has been seen in the past that even Jasprit Bumrah, given his wicket-taking abilities, can have a bad day or two at the office.

The franchise will also miss the services of leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, who was one of the most key bowlers for the franchise along with Boult and Bumrah. Murugan Ashwin and Mayank Markande will look to fill the void of spinner in the squad.

Opportunities: Foreign players looking to make a mark

It is to be seen as how the heavily loaded batting order of MI looks to fit in South Africa’s U19 World Cup star Dewald Brevis. Similarly, Tim David, who is known for his destructive ability with the bat down the order, will also be itching to show his talent in the gala competition. West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen can also be a like to like replacement for his national team captain Pollard.

In bowling department, English pacer Tymal Mills can be a good option to partner with Bumrah in death overs, given his deceptive slower balls and pin point yorkers. Similarly, Australian pacer Riley Meredith, who had a mixed outing with Punjab Kings last year, can also be an alternative due to his wicket taking skills in the middle overs.

Threats- Injury concerns

Injury threats can become one of the biggest concern for MI as the franchise has been troubled by it in previous seasons as well. With Archer already missing from the action, the biggest question arises if Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma can play the whole season as he has been frequently grappled by injuries in past tournaments as well. If that happens, the franchise will not only lack a formidable batter, but his captaincy skills will also be dearly missed.