Mumbai Indians better known as slow starters of the tournament are finding it hard to get 2 points. Mumbai Indians have lost their starting 4 matches of the tournament and none of them was a close encounter.
Mumbai Indians have a struggling history right after the mega auction as the team lacks to find the right piece to fit in their playing XI in the initial stage of the tournament. However, this is not the first time Mumbai Indians have lost 4 matches in a row. Earlier, it happened in 2015 when MI lost to CSK, PBKS, KKR & RR, where Mumbai Indians went on to lift the title by beating CSK in the IPL finals.
Although, the equations aren’t the same this time as 10 teams are playing instead of 8 which makes the scenario of qualifications complicated. Therefore, we believe Mumbai Indians should immediately seek these changes to considerably improve their play-offs chances.
3 Tactical Changes Mumbai Indians Should Consider
1) Fabian Allen into the Mumbai Indians Playing XI
MI have tried Daniel Sams & Tim David, however, both of them haven’t been quite handy for them neither in bowling nor batting. Daniel Sams achieved a unique record of having the highest average as a bowler in the IPL, whereas Tim David just couldn’t find the rhythm. Fabian Allen can replace Ramandeep Singh in the squad for the next match.
Fabian Allen could be the other spin option for Mumbai Indians, apart from Murugan Ashwin, who can give full 4 overs to the team merely at an economy below 7.5( T20i economy) and also produce the Caribbean power at the death for those extra 10-15 runs in batting. Fabian Allen has been a prominent player for West Indies and soon should be able to don the blue & gold jersey for MI.
2) Rohit Sharma should play the Anchor role
Rohit Sharma has shown glimpses of his batting in the 4 matches, however, he couldn’t capitalize on his start due to the scoreboard pressure or simply throwing away his wicket carelessly. Rohit should try to bat deep in the innings to act as an anchor. Whereas, Ishan Kishan should go all guns blazing from ball 1 for a headstart in powerplay overs.
3) More Bowling Options
This MI side looks the weakest in terms of bowling strength, however, Dewald Brevis took the wicket of Virat Kohli on his first-ever delivery in IPL which exhibits he can also bowl in the middle.
Rohit should consider having at least 6 bowling options, where Jasprit Bumrah, Jaydev Unadkat, Basil Thampi, Murugan Ashwin & Fabian Allen form the first 5 bowlers and Dewald Brevis & Kieron Pollard can chip in some overs in the middle, to have an upper hand with a plethora of bowling option at the death.
Mumbai Indians should work on their weakness asap as the format of the tournament has been changed after the introduction of two new franchises Lucknow Super Giants & Gujarat Titans which skimmer the chances of a team making a comeback after such a losing streak.