IPL 2023: Mumbai Indians Squad Analysis by Tom Moody ahead of MI vs CSK clash: Five times IPL champion, Mumbai Indians (MI), once again, had a jittery start to their IPL campaign. The franchise in Blue and Gold encountered the ghost of the past as they faltered to breach the opening challenge against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) a couple of nights ago in the ongoing IPL 2023.
Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was unmoved by the exhibition of Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and easily chased down the modest total (171) set by the latter franchise. MI lost the contest by eight wickets against RCB and continued their 10-year-long streak of losing the opening fixture in the IPL.
Meanwhile, former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach, Tom Moody seemed to be concerned with the balance that Mumbai Indians possess. He reckons there are multiple loopholes in the franchise which will hinder their IPL champion.
Furthermore, he added that he doesn’t see Mumbai Indians (MI) making it through to the final of the IPL 2023 and will have to wait longer before adding one more title to their already-decorated cabinet.
“I’m concerned (for Mumbai Indians) because I sort of called it before the start of the IPL that I didn’t think they’d be anywhere near the finals. I just feel there are too many holes amongst their team, and I don’t think they’ve got a balance in their squad either. They don’t have the domestic bowling depth and the international bowling depth,” Tom Moody said on ESPNCricinfo.
The 57-year-old former Australian cricketer pointed out that Mumbai Indians have got a string of power hitters which certainly doesn’t do justice to the balance which Mumbai earlier possessed. Moreover, there is a lack of experience in the squad.
“They don’t have balance with their overseas players either. They’ve got a lot of power-hitters and young power-hitters in (Dewald) Brevis, (Tristan) Stubbs and (Tim) David. Three of them are taking up the eight slots that you’re given. That doesn’t make sense to me. You can see, just with RCB, how important experience is. Where is the experience in that squad?” the Australian added.
It is noteworthy that Mumbai Indians’ biggest concern will be their bowling, which right now appears clueless. There are no domestic stars in the lineup, nor do they possess any international big gun, barring Jofra Archer. In fact, Archer too looked rusty in the last match against RCB and was taken over the boundary cushions.
The spin department has no experience. The likes of Hrithik Shokeen, Kumar Kartikeya, Raghav Goyal and Shams Mulani are young and don’t come with a lot of exposure. Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla will be vital for MI, but it remains to be seen for how long he continues to shine for his new franchise.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians’ next assignment will be against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The El Classico of the IPL 2023 will be held on April 8 (Saturday) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
For more details head to IPL’s official website.
