Mumbai Indians
One of three teams who have claimed both their domestic Twenty20 and Champions Trophy titles, Mumbai Indians have been forced to earn their place in the main draw after a dismal IPL 2014. Their bid to remedy that has already taken a jolt with Rohit Sharma’s injuries. In addition to losing their captain, Rohit’s absence has left only seven batsmen to choose from. Among them only Kieron Pollard and to a lesser extent Corey Anderson have the strike rates to make the opposition fret. Pollard has been promoted to captain the side, and perhaps might be tempted to bat up the order. But Mumbai would rely as heavily on Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga, who had been the other contenders in that race.
How they qualified: By adding to IPL’s penchant for unbelievable finishes. Their season began with five losses in the UAE, before a return to India rejuvenated them. Despite six victories in eight matches, Mumbai were left with a must-win game at their Wankhede fortress. They needed 190 in 87 balls and Anderson finally lived up to his high-profile billing as his 95 off 44 balls fuelled a thunderous batting performance. Rajasthan Royals scrambled to keep the scores level at the 87th delivery. But conditions allowed for one more ball. Aditya Tare, the new batsman, had to send it flying out of the ground and so he did to spark manic scenes.
Strengths: Experience. Harbhajan could be trusted to be miserly, as he was with the sixth-best economy rate of 6.47 in 2013. Malinga’s threat was diminished when he faced Pakistan in August. His fitness kept the twitter abuzz and he wasn’t able to stun them into silence with those toe-crushers. Pollard is the other pillar the side stands on.
Weaknesses: Batting, especially the top order. Michael Hussey was a liability as opener at the start of the IPL. Tare might take his place and Ambati Rayudu would shoulder greater responsibility after two tours with the Indian ODI side. Anderson was suspect against spin, especially when met with it early.
Watch out for: Lendl Simmons was brought in midway through the IPL as a quick-fix to their opening problems but his performances have tipped him as a long-term option. He finished as the top-scorer for Mumbai and those credentials have been bolstered by four fifties during the Caribbean Premier League, including a 60-ball 97 against St. Lucia Zouks. Mumbai’s batting would gain considerable security should he reprise his form.
How Mumbai Indians Qualify For Group Stage Matches CLT20 2014?
