IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Mumbai Indians - 'Paltan' dependent on all-rounders amid weak spin
IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Mumbai Indians - 'Paltan' dependent on all-rounders amid weak spin
The Right to Match Card was used to keep all-rounders Pollard and Krunal in their side
As many as 18 players donned the Mumbai Indians jersey in 2017 season, however, only six of those have made it to the MI team in 2018.
Yet again, the Nita Ambani-owned franchise will be entering the stadium this year with its core team, unfortunately, losing out on some key players though.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and 'yorker king' Jasprit Bumrah were retained by the franchise.
The Right to Match Card was used to keep all-rounders Kieron Pollard and the uncapped Indian player Krunal Pandya in their side.
It was a brilliant move to retain these players but in their quest for keeping the core alive, Mumbai lost some of its best performers of the recent past.
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Also read: IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list
Nitish Rana, for instance, played a handy role in Mumbai’s success in 2017, with 13 matches, 333 runs, 3 half centuries record, but is not part of this year’s squad.
Similarly, senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh -8 wickets in 11 matches in 2017 and Mitchell McClenaghan -19 wickets in 14 matches in 2017- were not included in this year's MI Paltan.
Despite run-machines like Rohit Sharma, Pollard and Hardik, who have played some blistering knocks that have led their side to wins from tricky situations in previous seasons, batting remains a concern for the team.
They are thin in this department and are overly dependent on few players, who may not perform during crucial stages.
In pace attack, the franchise has not left any space to be taken advantage off.
Mustafizur Rahman, Jason Behrendroff and Pradeep Sangwan would come handy for the defending champions.
Mustafizur was exceptional for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their title-winning campaign in 2016 with 17 wickets. The left-arm pacer is an excellent choice for his versatility and ability to bowl quick.
Same goes for left-arm pacer Australian Jason Behrendorff.
Apart from them, Australia’s Pat Cummins is another fast bowler who can rip apart the opposition and trouble the batsmen.
However, Jasprit Bumrah will be the leader of the pack and is growing as one of the best with each day in international cricket.
The team has gone heavy on pace attack but are weak on spin.
Hence a lot of work will need to be done by the pacers and all-rounders to defend their title in IPL 2018.