MUMBAI INDIANS - IPL 2011

Mumbai Indians

One of the strongest. Owned by the Richest man of the Country, Mumbai Indian no doubt is rich in Cricketing sense too since it has as its captain the man who is considered best after Sir Don and infact compared to him. They did a real good job by retaining Tendulkar, Harbhajan, Malinga and Pollard. Tendulkar given his stature might have crossed every possible limit in Auction and Harbhajan is country’s best Spinner and well a pretty hard hitter too. Pollard needs no mention given his T20 exploits and Malinga is the best Death bowler in the World. In in auction they purchased two other real good buys in Rohith and Symmo. All in all they look as one of favoutites in having also the best of uncapped talents.

Captain

Tendulkar will lead the side as long as he plays. However his captaincy stints have n’t been a proof of his stature as cricketer. Despite being the best side by far in last season they faltered at the last step loosing the finals and it will be under radar when the Master leads for one more step from last year. And I need not mention how smart a cricketing brain he is.

Openers

One is Universal Choice. If you need a Limited over opener for your team you have the Best Limited overs player ever. Tendulkar. The name says it all. With him Mumbai made one of the smartest picks. Jacobs, the Proteas domestic hero adds up as keeper and showed in CLT20 how dangerous he is. With Tendulkar and Jacobs opening they have best best opening pair in IPL. Sehwag and Warner may challenge but neither of them are consistent as these two.

Middle Order

Looks as strong as anyone with best of Indian and Overseas mix. In Rayadu they have a proven performer and how good he can be was seen in IPL3, one of the main reasons why MI went farther the top the table. Next up you have Rohith. He may not be proven one in International Cricket. Nevertheless he is a star of IPL, crucial one for Deccan in their last 2 seasons. Technically he is countries best behing Master and his Disciple Sehwag. Then there is Symonds. He may not be playing often these days. No matter he is champion on his own and with age on his aside he is likely to star. However the dressing room could get heated since he gets to pad up with Bhajji in same side. Following him at No 6 is Suman, the effective Chargers players. His form in IPL is also one of clinching reasons why Mumbai has best Batting lineup. Next up is the Beast – Pollard! No more explanations on this man. He is a marauder Cricket has never seen. And incase they need back up Blizzard is another devastating hitter who can replace Symmo very well and Franklin and Henriqures are no pushovers themselves to bat. And should I forget Bhajji the Turbanator and his batting too here?

Allrounders

After KKR, Mumbai has best allround options. Pollard is first choice one. His bowling is quite effective in middle overs. Bhajji is a new found allrounder of Team India. Rohith can chip in few useful overs and what more he has IPL hatrick to show. Symmo is another one who chokes the opposition in Middle overs. As backup there is always Franklin and Blizzard and Henriques all utility players.

WicketKeepers

Given that he opens and is a excellent on field, Jacobs is likely to be permanent fixture as keeper. In case there is need for a replacement Rayadu another sure starter is always there and Tare is not a pushover either.

Spinners

In Bhajji they have India’s best and Worlds leading wicket taker in Test among Active players now. And Murtaza is one of really good Domestic spinners. Rohith can bowl some overs and so can Symmo. In all Spin department is just fine.

Fast Bowlers

Led by the best Death bowler in the World in Malinga, they have pretty decent attack backed up by Munaf who now is much improved bowler likely to be India’s third pacer in WC. And apart that there is Dhawal Kulkarni,a proven domestic performers. However they still don’t have the attack as they had last time around. Zak will definitely be missed. As backup is Mckay a fine Aussie speedster who has imoressed Tendulkar.

Overall they have Best batting Lineup and more than decent Bowling attack. Surely Semis slot is easily in line.

Likely Starting XI

Jacobs – Tendulkar- Rayadu – Rohith – Symmonds – Suman – Pollard – Harbhajan – Munaf  - Kulkarni – Malinga