With their fifth IPL trophy, Mumbai Indians are starting to boss the IPL. Although their season started on a sour note, the defending champions turned things around very quickly. Credit must go to the management for picking the right guys at the auction.
There are strong rumors of a full-auction, and if that happens, even a team like Mumbai would have a few gaps to plug. They can manage to re-hire the core using retentions and RTM’s, but yet, there would be plenty of work to be done. On that note, if the mega-auction does happen, here are seven players who could strengthen the team even more.
1. Chris Gayle
Well, why not? Mumbai Indians had Chris Lynn warming the bench in 2020, and there wouldn’t be a better option than Gayle to replace him. If Quinton de Kock is unavailable or out of form, Gayle could come in, and Ishan Kishan could go behind the wickets. The fans would be thrilled to bits if the franchise can pull this off. Moreover, considering his age, the ‘Universe Boss’ would come for cheap at the auctions, thereby not affecting the squad much even if he fails.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
It is sad to see Kuldeep Yadav going off-track in his career. Once touted to be India’s bowling future, Kuldeep’s form has been disappointing in recent months. With Varun CV’s rise, KKR could as well afford to release him if there is a mega-auction. Mumbai Indians would want to strengthen their spin-bowling options for the upcoming seasons. If either of Krunal Pandya or Rahul Chahar does not seem fit, Kuldeep can come into the picture. In fact, Kuldeep can even lead this unit. Undoubtedly, the UP-spinner will make the team stronger.
3. Marcus Stoinis
With the kind of season he has had, Delhi Capitals may not release him. That said, if there is a mega-auction, Delhi could be forced to do that. If that happens, Mumbai Indians should target him. Keeping the future in mind, MI would want to have Stoinis to replace Kieron Pollard in a few years. Just like Pollard, the Aussie is a power-hitter of the ball, and in fact, he is even a better bowling option than the West Indian.
4. Adam Zampa
The only department that could need an improvement is the spin-bowling unit. It would not be a bad idea to hire a foreign spinner in this case. This season, Mumbai did not use Mitchell McClenaghan, and it is wise that they replace him for IPL 2021. We feel Adam Zampa would be a good option. He is just the kind of guy who can pick wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. Zampa might just add an attacking edge to the XI when he plays.
5. Axar Patel
Mumbai Indians’ solid performances have somewhat shadowed Krunal Pandya’s inconsistent showings this season. While he was inadequate with the bat, he often leaked runs with the ball. If there is a mega-auction, MI can try to replace him by hiring Axar Patel. The Gujarat player is in fine form, and his recent exploits with Delhi Capitals are noteworthy. He is also a fine fielder and a better long-term option for the franchise.
6. Lockie Ferguson
While Trent Boult would surely be at MI for one more season, one of Nathan Coulter Nile and James Pattinson could get the pink-slip. MI must target Lockie Ferguson for this role. Lockie is a fine pacer who can dictate the proceedings during the middle-overs. He has plenty of variations that would give a different look to the bowling unit. Him bowling alongside his countrymate Boult would also add to the chemistry.
7. Basil Thampi
If Mumbai wants to change things for certain games, they must have a good domestic pacer along with Bumrah. A youngster is needed as that would help the franchise in the long-term. We feel Basil Thampi could fit the role. SRH might release him, and MI must buy him for future editions. Basil is a fine bowler at death and has plenty of potential to be tapped into. For the player too, MI would be the ideal place to take his bowling to the next level.
