With five trophies under their belt, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have been the outstanding team in IPL history, and they will be seeking their third consecutive trophy. No other team has won more than three titles in the IPL, demonstrating the Mumbai franchise’s supremacy over the years.
The reigning champions Mumbai Indians have already had some ups and downs in the present Indian Premier League season. Following a loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening game, the Rohit Sharma-led MI went on to win their following two games with ease. MI then went on to lose two games in a row. Mumbai Indians are currently at the 4th position in the table with 4 wins and 3 losses after 7 games.
Nathan Coulter-Nile for James Neesham
The Royal Challengers Bangalore released Nathan Coulter-Nile prior to the 2020 IPL auction. He was purchased by the Mumbai Indians in the 2020 IPL auction ahead of the Indian Premier League. Neesham, on the other hand, was purchased by the Mumbai Indians for INR 50 lakhs at the IPL auction in February 2021, ahead of the 2021 Indian Premier League. Aakash Chopra believes the five-time IPL winners should replace James Neesham with Nathan Coulter-Nile. In the match against Chennai Super Kings, Neesham bowled poorly, allowing 26 runs in two overs. Nathan Coulter-Nile has only played one game so far, but he might regain confidence if given more opportunities.
Chris Lynn for Quinton de Kock
Chris Lynn was purchased by the Mumbai Indians in the 2020 IPL auction ahead of the 2020 Indian Premier League, while Quinton de Kock was purchased by MI from Royal Challengers Bangalore and played for MI in the 2019 season. This year so far, Quinton de Kock has been below average as he has scored 155 runs in 6 games. Chris Lynn on the other hand has played only one game. Lynn struck a vital 49 off 35 deliveries for the Mumbai Indians in their season-opening match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 2nd half of the IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians will have to take more risks, and replacing Quinton de Kock for Chris Lynn could be worth the risk. Ishan Kishan could be given the wicketkeeping duties if de Kock is benched.
Ishan Kishan at number 4
Krunal Pandya has been ineffective this year. The first round of the 2021 Indian Premier League did not go his way. Krunal Pandya’s fragility has been exposed by a succession of poor scores by Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya, as well as the fact that the younger Pandya is unable to contribute with the ball due to a shoulder ailment. With the bat, Pandya has been lackluster so far. He has scored 100 runs in 7 games with a strike rate of 131.58. Krunal Pandya has also only taken three wickets in seven matches, despite bowling on conditions that have aided spinners from the start of the season. Ishan Kishan, according to Aakash Chopra, is a stronger bet than Krunal Pandya to play as a specialist batsman at No. 4.
