'Mumbai had their soul ripped out there' - Kevin Pietersen criticses MI's mega auction strategy

Former England player Kevin Pietersen has opened up about Mumbai Indian’s campaign in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) so far. The veteran has criticized MI’s mega auction strategy saying that the five-time champions had their souls ripped apart in the mega auctions.

It may be noted Mumbai Indians have lost all seven matches so far, with losses against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

I just cannot understand why MI have weakened their bowling line-up: Kevin Pietersen

“Mumbai seem to have had their soul ripped out at the mega auction. Lots of the star players that made them what they are have left and they have made a horrible start to the competition,” KP wrote in his column with Betway Insider.

The veteran cricketer also emphasized that going for injured Jofra Archer instead of New Zealand’s pacer Trent Boult in the mega auction did not make any sense. To note, MI did spend a big amount on Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and English express pacer Jofra Archer, spending a total of over INR 23 crore to avail their services. While Archer is not available for the edition, Kishan has not contributed as per expectations.

“They say that batters win you sponsorships and bowlers win you premierships. I just can’t understand why Mumbai has weakened their bowling so much by using up a spot on an injured Jofra Archer and letting Trent Boult go elsewhere. Left-arm seamers are such a valuable commodity in the shorter form of the game because of the different angles and Boult is as good as it gets. He’s world-class,” he added.

MI will next take on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next match of IPL 2022, which will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 24 (Sunday).