After a forgettable 2022, which saw them lose their first eight matches and finish at the bottom of the standings, MI will look to bounce back with a vengeance.
STRENGTH: One of the best batting lineups, boasting the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan.
WEAKNESS: In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Jofra Archer is the only genuine pacer in their ranks. The spin department wears a weak look as well.
OPPORTUNITY: New recruits like Cameron Green and Duan Jansen will aim to seal their places.
THREAT: Lack of depth. If the big guns fail to fire, like last season, they may find themselves in trouble.
KEY PLAYERS
Rohit Sharma: Had a below-par 2022 but with the amount of experience under his belt, still remains Mumbai’s most potent batter.
Suryakumar Yadav: May have struggled in the recent ODI series against Australia but no one can take ‘Mr 360’ for granted in this format. His contributions in the middle will again be key.
Tim David: The Australian gave a glimpse of his abilities with some fiery knocks last season.
NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Jofra Archer: Bought in the 2022 auction despite some injury problems, he will be hoping to go full tilt this time.
Cameron Green: A perfect replacement for Kieron Pollard. The 23-year-old has pushed himself into the list of best allrounders in the world.
Duan Jansen: The 22-year-old South African left-arm quick is another newbie MI have up their sleeves.
INJURY WATCH
Jasprit Bumrah (back surgery) and Jhye Richardson (hamstring surgery) will both miss the entire season.
