IPL 2021: 5 players Mumbai Indians should look to buy in the auction

IPL 2021: 5 players Mumbai Indians should look to buy in the auction

The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise is a force to reckon with at the moment. The 5-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions seem to have the perfect team combination and will be the team to beat in the 2021 edition. They eased their way to title triumph in 2020 and a similar performance in 2021 wouldn’t be too surprising.

Despite the team combination and the personnel looking like perfect fits for the franchise, there is a case for strengthening the squad at the mini-auctions that are to take place in mid-February. Using the auction to plug a few holes and to bolster their already powerful team, MI could become near-invincible.

Here are 5 players MI should target in the auctions.

Colin Munro

The swashbuckling New Zealand opening batsman, Colin Munro is among the most feared players by bowlers around the world. Munro has made his name in T20 leagues around the world and has plenty of experience to be of help for any team he is a part of. He is currently playing in the Big Bash League and lighting it up.

For MI, he would be a great addition to offer a back-up option to opener Quinton de Kock and can also play the middle order if required.

Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary was once a big star in the IPL as he played an instrumental role in Kolkata Knight Riders winning the 2012 edition of the tournament. Since then, he hasn’t been able to replicate his top form in the IPL but has consistently been doing so in the domestic circuit for Bengal.

If picked by MI, he could offer a solid option in the middle-order to come in at No. 5 and play any role required of him.

Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis has proved to be a flamboyant batsman who can be depended upon to produce the fireworks at the top of the order. The West Indian has tremendous experience at the biggest stage having played over 80 games for his national team. He has already been a part of the MI franchise as well, in 2018 where he didn’t get much games.

If MI decide to pick him, he would once again offer an excellent back-up option to Quinton de Kock or even the option of playing two overseas batsmen at the top of the order.

Ben Cutting

Another player who has already represented MI, Ben Cutting is a powerful hitter of the ball who can also bowl handy medium-pace. Most notably, he won the Man of the Match award in the final of the IPL in 2016 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is thus, a proven performer who can be relied on.

If MI go for Cutting, he will offer another finishing option for the side to add to the already feared Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya.

Yusuf Pathan

Once, arguably the most dreaded Indian batsman for opposition bowlers, Yusuf Pathan has faded away from the limelight as age has caught up on him. However, at 37, he could still prove himself to be a useful performer. His part-time off-breaks along with change of pace makes him a more than decent all-rounder as well.

If MI decide to pick him, Pathan would offer another spin-bowling all-rounder option to add to Krunal Pandya and might even replace him if he displays shades of his former self.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals set to release captain Steve Smith ahead of auction