Mumbai Indians have received a major setback as their star fast bowler from Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga will not be available for most of IPL 2020. It is not known whether Malinga has opted to skip the tournament, but a report from ESPN Cricinfo suggests that he will not join Mumbai team right now because his father is not well.
Malinga has been a match-winner for Mumbai in the last many IPL seasons. The right-arm quick from the island nation is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, which highlights his massive contribution to the growth of the Mumbai-based franchise. However, since he might not be available, Mumbai may look to sign a replacement for him. In this article, we will look at the five players who can take Malinga’s place in IPL 2020.
1.Carlos Brathwaite
West Indian all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite surprisingly found no buyers in the IPL Auction 2020. Brathwaite has been a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in the past. He had grabbed everyone’s attention by smashing four consecutive sixes in the ICC T20 World Cup final.
The Jamaica Tallawahs star has a magnificent record in T20s. He has played 164 T20s, amassing 1563 runs at a strike rate of 139.67. Also, he has picked up 144 wickets at an economy rate of 8.13.
2.Adam Zampa
Former Rising Pune Supergiant spinner Adam Zampa had performed brilliantly for the Pune-based team in the few matches he played for them. He had famously picked up a six-wicket haul in one of the league matches and hence, Mumbai Indians will have an eye on him.
The reason why Mumbai may look to include the Aussie leg-spinner is that the pitches in the UAE will be helpful to the spinners. Also, Mumbai has the likes of Nathan Coulter Nile, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult present in their pace bowling attack.
3.Tabraiz Shamsi
South Africa’s left-arm chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi could prove to be an ‘X-factor’ player in IPL 2020 that will be played across the UAE. Shamsi is a T20 specialist, and he is an entertainer as well. The former Royal Challengers Bangalore player has picked up 142 wickets in 135 T20 games.
The 30-year-old from Johannesburg has become a regular member of the South African team. Mumbai can boost their spin bowling attack by acquiring his services.
4.Wanindu Hasaranga
Another spin bowler who might be on Mumbai Indians’ radar is Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lankan all-rounder could also be Mahela Jayawardene’s first pick because he may have noticed him closely in Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old player has picked up 46 wickets in 41 T20s so far.
His best figures of 5/26 showcase that he can be a match winner for Mumbai Indians in the UAE. Hasaranga has also been playing First Class matches for Colombo CC after the COVID-19 break.
5.Qais Ahmad
The wildcard pick for replacing Lasith Malinga will be Afghanistan’s young talent Qais Ahmad. The Afghan players have much experience of playing in Sharjah, as Mohammad Nabi pointed out in his recent interview. Ahmad also played for Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash League recently.
The 20-year-old player has been a part of 51 T20 matches, picking up 59 wickets at an excellent strike rate of 17.4. Mumbai love to invest in new talent and Ahmad could be the next player to be added to that list.
