Despite heading out of the IPL 2023 season after a 62-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 27, the Mumbai Indians (MI) probably outperformed.
The five-time IPL winners had a major injury blow in the bowling department, and their performances in the first half of the league were so mediocre that no one gave them a chance to enter the playoffs.
However, one or more players stepped up to complete the task, and Rohit Sharma and the company should be pleased with what they accomplished in IPL 2023. Having said that, Mumbai Indians have several areas of worry in their squad that they would like to improve ahead of the upcoming season.
Let us look at three such concerns that MI must address:
3) Tim David’s inconsistency
The Mumbai Indians were lacking iconic West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard for the first time in more than a decade in IPL 2023. He was their major finisher, and after a lacklustre IPL 2022 season with the bat, he opted to resign from the league since he did not want to represent any other side.
Tim David, an Australian all-rounder, showed indications of greatness last season, and it appeared that IPL 2023 would be the season in which he would burst with consistent playing time. But that was not to be, as David had a disappointing season as a finisher.
Tim David scored 231 runs in 16 matches, with a strike rate of 158.22 and a moderate average of 25.67. He suffered notably with wrist spin, and other bowlers exploited this weakness of his. Aside from the stunning 45* cameo against the Royals, David didn’t live up to the hype this season.
2) MI’s death bowling woes
Mumbai suffered in the death bowling department with both Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer out due to injury, and it took some time for them to find a combination that worked for them.
Akash Madhwal was perhaps MI’s best find of the season, but he didn’t have much-needed help at the other end, particularly during the death overs. Chris Jordan, Rilee Meredith, and others were extremely pricey and offered absolutely no assistance to other bowlers.
The Mumbai Indians will be hoping that its star speedsters can return to full shape next season, but if their injury issues persist, they may have to consider other options.
1) Rohit Sharma’s form
One of the biggest issues for MI over the last 2-3 seasons has been their skipper Rohit Sharma’s inconsistency at the top of the order. This season, he scored 332 runs at a very low average of 20.75.
The ultra-attacking method that Rohit has taken in the powerplay has mostly failed, and he may need to reconsider what worked best for him when he was a productive opener.
MI possessed a dynamic hitting lineup that came through on most occasions, especially in major run-chases. However, Rohit’s performance may force them to make difficult decisions ahead of their next campaign.