New Delhi, April 18: Mumbai Indians (MI) have won only two matches from their two outings in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They have been in headlines this season not much for their performance, but for change in captaincy.
Hardik Pandya returning to Mumbai and taking over the mantle from Rohit Sharna, who leads Team India in all three formats, have been a point of bother for many cricket fans, especially die hard MI supporters.
As a result, Pandya have been booed by fans. It's a fact MI have not played as per their reputation. The five time IPL champions winning only two matches have been bit questionable.
Of course, they can make a comeback, as they have done it in the past. However, their lack of depth and teeth in bowling apart from Jasprit Bumrah is a major concern this season.
Ahead of the MI match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), former Australian captain Aaron Finch lashed out at the Hardik Pandya-led side's bowling, highlighting a "lack of depth and consistency" beyond the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
MI bowlers were taken to the cleaners during their last encounter against the arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. MI used seven bowling options, out of which Akash Madhwal, skipper Hardik Pandya and Romario Shepherd conceded runs at an economy of over 12.
Even in their game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 11, when all bowlers leaked runs at an economy of over 7 or 10, Bumrah was the only one, who conceded runs at 5.25 runs per over.
Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Finch shared his thoughts on how Mumbai Indians can get back on the winning track, saying, "First and foremost, I think the captain needs to find some form and consistency with bat and ball. We've seen him bowl in some games and not in others, so ideally, some form with both bat and ball. I think that will go a long way. Additionally, their bowling outside of Jasprit Bumrah has lacked depth of quality and consistency."
The Aussie further praised ex-MI skipper Rohit Sharma for his carefree approach to the game. Rohit showcased his prowess by scoring a brilliant century against CSK, though unfortunately, it was not enough to secure victory for his team.
"One thing I love seeing with Rohit Sharma at the moment is how he's playing carefree cricket. He did it throughout the 50-over World Cup, and he's doing it now. He's taking the game on, looking to have a maximum impact, which will be a great boost to the rest of the Mumbai Indians side. The start he provides along with Ishan Kishan can set up their whole batting innings. If they get on a roll in the second half of the IPL, it will be great for the team," added Finch.
MI, currently sitting in ninth place in the points table with four points from six matches, will play Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Thursday.
Can Mumbai regroup and bounce back is another issue. But what they immediately need is their bowlers to support Bumrah. Because, bowlers win matches, as the cricket experts always remind. (With IANS support)
