IPL 2022: 5 players Mumbai Indians might target in mega auction

The Mumbai Indians are the most consistent and successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League. Well, it has been the result of great management that has been able to nurture the raw talents that come up to their doorstep. With the mega auction coming up, it will be interesting to see who will be able to get into the MI squad.

With Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, and Jasprit Bumrah making up for the core of the team, all eyes will be on the coaching staff who will decide the other members of the team. As the IPL is likely to be conducted in Maharashtra, it means that for most of the matches, the Mumbai team will have the home advantage. 

Here’s a look at five players Mumbai Indians might aim IPL 2022 mega auctions:

1.  Josh Hazlewood

Just a couple of years ago, Josh Hazlewood was a Test specialist bowler. He was seen as someone who could bowl tight lines and lengths and could trouble the batsmen in the toughest format of the game. However, with time, he has transformed himself into one of the finest bowlers in the shortest format of the game.

Hazlewood’s ability to hit the deck hard and be accurate has done wonders for him during his time as a T20 bowler. In 24 games, he has picked 32 wickets at an economy rate of 7.8. Adding on, in 12 IPL games for CSK, he has been bowling at an economy rate of 7.93.

This makes him an “X Factor” for any side. Hazlewood is not an easy bowler to get away with and he could form a solid opening bowling combination with Bumrah. In the death overs as well, he can stop the leakage of runs at one end. His bowling persona is quite similar to that of Glenn McGrath and this has been his reputation since his debut.

2. Quinton de Kock

As soon as Quinton de Kock joined Mumbai Indians, they went on to become one of the most dominant franchises in the game. They had all their departments covered and were demolishing every opponent that came in their way.

In 77 IPL games, de Kock has scored 2256 runs at an average of 31.33. Apart from that, he has represented Delhi and Bangalore in the past, in which he has put up some commendable performances. De Kock is also one of the safest keepers in the circuit and over the years, he has been South Africa’s premier wicketkeeper as well.

As he has retired from the longest format of the game, he will be looking to put a mark to silence his critics. During the recently-concluded ODI series against India, he was in top form as he destroyed the Indian bowling lineup. As MI doesn’t have a wicketkeeper as of now, they can look to buy back de Kock in the mega auction.

3. Yuzvendra Chahal

In a format where the batsmen dominate the game, leg spinners are the trump card for any captain. They can pick quick wickets within a short time frame and can turn the game around within a few overs. As Rohit Sharma is well known to bring the best out of every player, Yuzvendra Chahal might find a home in the Mumbai Indians camp.

Over the years, Chahal has been RCB’s premier leg spinner and now after being released, many teams will be looking to go after him. In 114 IPL games, he has picked 139 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. Apart from that, he is well known for his intelligence and cleverness.

Chahal’s involvement in the IPL was with Mumbai Indians, and if they manage to bring him to the side, it will be a homecoming for the veteran spinner. Over six years, he has played 50 T20I games and has a decent economy rate of 8.29. The fans will be hoping to witness the captain spinner duo of Rohit and Chahal.

4. Shardul Thakur 

Shardul Thakur’s rise to international fame has been phenomenal. The all-rounder made his ODI debut way back in 2017, but now, he has somehow replaced Hardik Pandya as the premier all-rounder of the side, along with Ravindra Jadeja. He has been improving with every game he is playing.

In 61 IPL games, Shardul has picked 67 wickets with an economy of 8.89. Adding on, he has picked 31 wickets in 24 games as well. Under MS Dhoni, Shardul has thrived as a bowling all-rounder.

In T20Is, he has a batting strike rate of 181.58. He can dominate any bowling attack in any format on his day. His recent performance against South Africa is a good example of his caliber.

5. Washington Sundar 

There has been a trend of opening the bowling with someone who can bowl tight lines and lengths. For RCB, it has been Washington Sundar over the years. But, as they have released him, it is now time for Sundar to find a new franchise.

For his overall growth, the best place for him will be Mumbai Indians. The most successful franchise has the best management and it will help him to grow as a cricketer. Adding on, Sundar’s ability to choke the batsmen will be beneficial for captain Sharma to exert some pressure.

Down the order, Sundar also provides some stability with the bat. Even though a batting collapse is something one would never associate with MI, things can change in a matter of a minute. Hence, the presence of a calm batsman down the order will provide extra cushion for other batsmen.