Photo: AFP

The Mumbai Indians haven’t been the best starters in the past few editions of Indian Premier League (IPL) but their famous come-from-behind tales in the IPL have ensured that they have made it past the first stage for six years in a row. They have some astonishing match winning performances from players that has shown their never give-up attitude. The two-time champions (2013 and 2015) enter the ninth edition of IPL as one of the favourites again and will enter to become the first team to win three titles.

The acquisition of Jos Buttler beefs up and already strong batting line-up, even if it means the Mumbai think-tank will be left with a selection headache. It will also be interesting to see how they utilise two of their expensive buys – Krunal Pandya (INR 2 crore) and Nathu Singh (INR 3.2 crore). Tim Southee, who turned up for Rajasthan Royals previously, could challenge Mitchell McClenaghan for the spot of the pace spearhead, in the absence of Lasith Malinga.

They might have experienced a few stumbles during the IPL campaigns in the past editions, but Mumbai Indians are known for their ability to pick up their game just when they are written off and go the distance. They peak at the right time more often than not, which is one of the reasons why they have won the title twice in the last three seasons.

Be it Indian internationals, overseas players, or the uncapped ones, Mumbai Indians seem to possess the right balance in their squad. From T20 specialists and batsmen who can anchor the innings to hard-hitters, allrounders, fiery pacers and variety among spinners, you name it and you’ll find it in this well-rounded squad.

Majority of Mumbai’s success will revolve around the performance of Rohit Sharma, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Corey Anderson and Mitchell McClenaghan. While these are seasoned international players, youngsters like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have also impressed during their stints with the Indian team and will approach the tournament with a lot of confidence. Fire power is aplenty.

While Mumbai have managed to get past the first stage on the back of brilliant performances in the latter half of the previous two IPL editions, they may not always find the get-out-of-jail cards. Another concern for Mumbai Indians is the fitness of Malinga. The Sri Lankan pacer, who has been key to Mumbai’s success over the past, recently missed the World T20 due to a knee injury. While coach Ricky Ponting remains hopeful of having his leading pacer back in the second half, the possibility of him missing the entire tournament cannot be ruled out.

SQUAD

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah, Unmukt Chand, Shreyas Gopal, Kishore Kamath, Mitchell McClenaghan, Hardik Pandya, Parthiv Patel (wk), Deepak Punia, Ambati Rayudu, Lendl Simmons, Tim Southee, Vinay Kumar, Corey Anderson, Jos Buttler, Marchant de Lange, Harbhajan Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Lasith Malinga, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Nitish Rana, Jitesh Sharma, Nathu Singh, Suchith, Akshay Wakhare