Mumbai Indians: Will a Change in Personnel Bring a Change in Fortune? After a dismal campaign in the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League, where they ended up as the wooden spoon holders, Mumbai Indians have decided to shake things up. They’ve parted ways with 13 of their players, including all-rounders Daniel Sams, Fabian Allen, and the retired Kieron Pollard. With the trio gone, MI entered the IPL 2023 auction in search of multi-faceted cricketers. And boy did they go all out, spending a whopping INR 17.5 crore to sign Cameron Green.
But here’s the catch, Green is not much of an experienced campaigner in the T20 circuit, having played only 21 matches, of which only eight are international games. So, is showing faith in a yet-to-be-established player in the T20 arena a wise decision? Couldn’t they have signed someone who is a consistent performer in the shortest format?
Let’s talk about three players that the Mumbai Indians could have signed in place of Cameron Green.
Number 1. Jason Holder
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Jason Holder is a prominent figure in the shortest format of the game, with 204 matches under his belt and 199 wickets at an economy of 7.89. But wait, it gets better, Holder is also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to batting. He’s scored 1788 runs at a strike rate of 126.18.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, does he perform just as well in the IPL? Let me tell you, Holder has proven his mettle in the most lucrative T20 tournament. He’s picked up 49 wickets in 38 IPL games at an economy of 8.57 and scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 123.50.
But here’s the thing, it’s not just his stats that make Holder a valuable addition to a side, it’s his ability to bowl at any phase of the game, that sets him apart. And let’s not forget, the guy is more than handy with the bat. Given his all-round prowess, one would have expected Mumbai Indians to go after him at the IPL 2023 auction, but instead, they went all guns blazing to sign Green. But, Rajasthan Royals were smart enough to acquire him for INR 5.75 crore. Trust me, Holder is a name to watch out for.
Number 2. Sikandar Raza
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Sikandar Raza is a name you need to remember in the T20 circuit. This guy has been a game-changer with both bat and ball, racking up 3123 runs at a strike rate of 129.47 and taking 83 wickets with an economy of 7.31. And he’s not just a domestic star, Raza has also shone on the international stage, scoring 1259 runs in 66 T20Is and picking up 38 wickets at an economy of 7.18.
But it’s not just his past performance that’s got people talking, Raza set the T20 World Cup 2022 on fire with his 219 runs in 8 games at a strike rate of 147.97 and 10 wickets at an economy of 6.50. And let’s not forget, he was instrumental in that historic win against Pakistan, bagging a three-wicket haul.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, why didn’t Mumbai Indians sign him at the IPL 2023 auction? Well, let me tell you, MI could have used a multi-faceted cricketer like Raza in their side. He can act as a floater in the batting line-up and is a four-over bank with the ball. His inclusion would have added depth to the Mumbai side. But alas, they didn’t raise their paddle to sign the ace all-rounder. Trust me, Raza is a name to watch out for.
Number 3. Ben Stokes
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Ben Stokes is a name that belongs in the same breath as the finest all-rounders in world cricket. This guy has been a match-winner for England across formats and has left the cricket fraternity in awe with his spectacular performances. With 585 runs in 43 T20Is at a strike rate of 128.00 and 26 wickets at an economy of 8.39, Stokes is a force to be reckoned with.
But, let me tell you, Stokes is not just a domestic star, he’s also been sensational in the Indian Premier League. He’s put on an exhibition of his flamboyant stroke play and hammered 920 runs in 43 IPL games at a strike rate of 134.50. And let’s not forget, he’s also weaved his magic with the ball, picking up 28 scalps at an economy of 8.56.
But, it’s not just his all-round might that sets Stokes apart, he’s a great cricketing brain and has proven his leadership credentials in the international arena. Given the skill set the Christchurch-born brings to the table, one would have expected Mumbai Indians to sign him at the 2023 player auction, but instead, he will now be seen donning the CSK jersey for the 2023 edition.
