Priyanka Tiwari
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Mumbai Indians (MI) have developed a reputation for slow starts in the IPL. The five-time champions have not won their opening game of the season since 2012, and in recent years, their struggles have been even more pronounced. In 2022, it took them nine matches to register a win, while last season, they lost their first three games before bouncing back.
As they head into IPL 2024, MI is determined to break this unlucky streak. However, their task is made tougher by a challenging schedule and the absence of key players. The team will kick off their campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, a venue where CSK’s spinners dominate. Their second fixture sees them take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad, where Shubman Gill’s side defeated them last season.
Key Absences: Bumrah and Pandya Unavailable
Mumbai’s woes are further compounded by the likely absence of their ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who is yet to receive clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Adding to their concerns, skipper Hardik Pandya will miss the opening game due to an over-rate breach from last season.
Despite these setbacks, MI’s think tank, led by head coach Mahela Jayawardene and stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, remains optimistic about overcoming the challenges.
"I was reminded a few days ago that we haven’t won our first game since 2012. So, both of us (pointing to Pandya), along with Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), have a big challenge ahead of us," Jayawardene said. "But once we get through that, we can focus on the rest of the season."
With Trent Boult rejoining the squad after his successful stint in 2020, MI hopes to strengthen their bowling attack. "We have the core group with us who knows the culture, how we play, and how we win," Jayawardene added. "With some old faces like Trent (Boult) returning, we just need to put this puzzle together and start strong."
Jasprit Bumrah’s Recovery and Team Adjustments
Jayawardene acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s availability, stating, "Jasprit is at the moment with the NCA. His progress is on a day-to-day basis, and while he’s in good spirits, we still don’t know when he’ll return. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world, and not having him is a challenge. But it’s also an opportunity for others to step up."
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya expressed confidence in the team’s experienced bowling lineup. "Wankhede can sometimes be unforgiving for bowlers, so bringing in experience was crucial. Players like Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman add variety and depth to our attack."
Suryakumar Yadav’s Form: No Concerns for MI
While Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) has had a rough patch in international cricket, MI’s leadership remains unfazed. Pandya dismissed concerns about his form, saying, "He has scored plenty of runs for years. He’s been a match-winner for India and MI, and I have no worries about him."
Jayawardene echoed similar sentiments: "He had a couple of good practice games for us. We just want him to enjoy his batting and play freely."
Can MI Finally Win Their First Match of the Season?
With MI set to face CSK at Chepauk and GT in Ahmedabad, their first two games present significant hurdles. However, their determination to start strong remains unwavering.
Will Mumbai Indians finally break their opening-game curse? Fans will eagerly watch as the five-time champions take the field, hoping for a new beginning in IPL 2024.
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