Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Mumbai Indians were aim to completely restructure their side when they head to the mini auction later this week after a forgettable 2022 season where they had finished 10th. They have already realesed as many as 13 players while retaining 15 of them from the previous squad and later added traded in Jason Behrendorff from Royal Challengers Bangalore. One of the gaps Mumbai Indians will look to fill is that for a marquee spinner and India legend and former Punjab Kings coach Anil Kumble has the perfect solution for them.
Mumbai Indians presently have two spin options in their squad, both of whom are uncapped but had made an appearance in the last season - Kumar Kartikeya and Hrithik Shokeen.
Speaking to JioCinema as part of their IPL Auction expert panel Kumble feels that Mumbai Indians have a 'marquee spinner' missing in their squad. He added that MI could either look for experienced Indian spin options, which is unlikely, or could go with overseas options.
“Mumbai Indians don’t have a marquee spinner in their ranks. Kartikeya did really well for them last year. If they have to go for an Indian spinner with experience than they will have to probably go back to Amit Mishra or Piyush Chawla. I don’t see that happening. Perhaps, the only option for them is to go for overseas spinner. Who will it be? There’s Adil Rashid, Tabraiz Shamsi, Adam Zampa,” he said.
However, the former India head coach believes that Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza could be an option as he adds depth to the batting line up as well.
{{/usCountry}}However, the former India head coach believes that Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza could be an option as he adds depth to the batting line up as well.
{{/usCountry}}“I would probably look towards Sikandar Raza because he can also give you a wonderful middle order batting as well, along with his spin which is not easy to pick, and he has done well in the recent past,” he explained.
MI will head into the auction with INR 20.55 Cr left in their purse.