Team Mumbai Indians - CLT20

Come Sept 21, Champions League would witness two legends of the game lock horns, when Rajasthan Royals host Mumbai Indians. Being the IPL Champions, MI should start as tournament favorites, but everyone knows that in T20 and in a short tournament the team’s fortune changes very quickly. MI should be high in confidence; their Captain Rohit Sharma has hit some batting form as an opener in England, West Indies and Zimbabwe. His captaincy was much appreciated as he managed his power packed resources very well. Captaincy has been MI biggest weak point, Rohit has filled the void and he seems to enjoy it.

After ODI and IPL retirement, this would be Sachin’s appearance in the big stage before the much-awaited 200th test. Once again the whole focus would be on him as this might be his one last limited over tournament. Smith though doesn’t find spot in his national team, enjoys playing for MI, he gives them the much needed start and can take the game away in matter of minutes. Karthik as usual starts off well in any tournament but like a smart phone loses his juice very quickly. Now being the 2nd choice keeper for the national side, its time he doesn’t get squeezed out.

Pollard has had some batting failures in the ODI format after IPL, but that doesn’t make him any weaker especially in the batting friendly track. With winter and dew allowing the ball to skid of the surface, we can expect longer sixes from Pollard. After making the much-awaited ODI debut, Rayudu didn’t set the world blazing, he played well against a weaker Zim, and this tournament should hopefully set things right for him. No player in the history has been payed a Million Dollar for carrying drinks on the ground. Maxwell can only hope that the team management and captain utilizes his cricketing skill apart from him drink-delivering skills. He has had some good hits off late especially with he A-tours.

Johnson and Malinga have provided the bowling ammunition that MI needed in IPL; they played an important role both in the beginning and the death overs. Particularly Johnson has been bowling at lively pace in England constantly hitting 90 Mph mark. Ojha and Harbhajan both have lost their ODI and Test spots, both due to completion and lackluster performances. This is their opportunity knock the selector’s door.  Especially Harbhajan needs a good tournament for any hopes of a come back or else he could kiss his career a good bye. With such super stars and match winners in the line up, MI have decided to omit Ricky Ponting, it really sad for this legend to not feature in CLT20.

With a tight schedule, MI face Royals (21 Sept), TBD (23 Sept), Lions (27 Sept) and Scorchers (2 Oct). One can only hope that MI live up to their IPL Champions tag and give Sachin a yet another farewell.