The core remains unchanged from the previous cycle. The captain remains the same as last season.
Still, the anticipation from Mumbai Indians is to get ahead of Chennai Super Kings in the race for the most IPL trophies. The 2024 edition saw MI suffer from lack of unity, primarily due to the captaincy change.
The fans were vocal in their disapproval of Hardik Pandya taking over from Rohit Sharma as the skipper. The younger players were confused about whom to look up to, resulting in a unit that was anything but cohesive. That reflected in the results as the five-time champion never appeared to be a genuine contender for the playoffs race, extending its title drought to four seasons, the longest since the first five editions of the IPL.
This time around, though, there appears to be a newfound love between the top stars. Despite Rohit having lifted two ICC titles, Suryakumar Yadav having been appointed India’s T20I captain and Jasprit Bumrah being a primary contender to succeed Rohit as the Test skipper, the MI management has reposed faith in Hardik.
The star-studded core appears to be communicating without any inhibitions. The management and the fans will hope for them to back each other just like they have done in the India Blues over the last 10 months.
With Bumrah set to be sidelined at least for the first fortnight, MI will be hoping for Trent Boult to mark his return to the franchise in style. In a new-look bowling attack, MI has banked on experience rather than the unknowns.
While Karn Sharma returns to the franchise, Deepak Chahar will be expected to exploit the early evening swing. Mitchell Santner’s role will be to keep batters in check during the middle-overs.
While the first-choice 12 appear solid, the back-ups — full of unknown faces — will matter the most deep into the tournament. And it’s the ability of the back-up players that may prove decisive for the Men in Blue and Gold.
Published – March 20, 2025 12:12 am IST