The Champions' Destiny

‘Why change a winning combination’ is an axiom which is often followed in sport. Mumbai Indians, the champions of the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League, seem to have taken the proverbial saying very seriously indeed. They have retained the core of the squad which led them to the Champions League T20 and IPL trophies in the last two seasons.
MI, unlike many other teams in the auction, did not opt for huge bench strength, instead going for a squad which suggests that experimentation will be a bare minimum this season. They have retained Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga- all of the key performers in their title winning efforts last year. Seasoned campaigners like Pragyan Ojha (re-signed during the auction), Zaheer Khan and Mike Hussey have been roped in to lend stabilty to the squad. Add the names of the exciting Corey Anderson, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Dunk and Marchant de Lange and you have the X-factor that you were looking for.

KEY PLAYERS:-

Lasith Malinga: The best bowler in IPL history. Need we say more? The nightmare of batsmen and the epitome of consistency, despite a bowling action that beggars belief, Malinga can wreak havoc. Almost everytime.
Rohit Sharma: Captaincy did wonders to his batting last season and the fans would want him to carry on from where he left off. When on song, there are few other players who catch the eye more than this abundantly talented Mumbaiker.
Harbhajan Singh: The Indian selectors may think that he is past his prime, but try telling that to this mercurial off-spinner. A world-class bowler in his prime, Harbhajan Singh must be itching for the IPL to begin to show that his hay days are far from over.

WATCH OUT FOR:-

Corey Anderson: How can 36 deliveries change your life? Ask Corey Anderson. The owner of the fastest international century and, now, a proud member of the IPL champions’ roster. However he is in a race against time to get fit for the start of the season and MI would not wanna miss out on the game-changing abilities of this dynamic all-rounder.

However, despite the quality squad at their disposal, it remained a mystery as to why the Indians did not re-bid for Mitchell Johnson, last season’s joint-highest wicket taker and their wrecker-in-chief. The management instead opted to go with the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Marchant de Lange. They would hope that Johnson is not missed. Not to mention the small matter of missing the presence of a certain Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar on the field.

All in all, the Mumbai Indians begin IPL-7 as one of the major contenders and it will be a shame if they don’t make the play-offs, atleast. Defending the title? Lets wait and watch!