The IPL is back! So are the Mumbai Indians!

The prolonged wait for the Mumbai Indians to return in their trademark Blues will end on Wednesday as the 2013 champions will square off against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening encounter of the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League.

No doubt the Knight Riders will enjoy the advantage of playing at the Eden Gardens, their home ground. But each of the spectators at the Eden Garden, which is expected to be packed to its capacity, would know, along with the Knight Riders players, that the home team will not enter the match as favourites on Wednesday evening.

The Mumbai Indians did lose both their games last season against the Knight Riders. But they have an exemplary head-to-head record against the two-times champions. Of the 14 games they have played against the Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians have won 10 of them. The head-to-head record at the Eden becomes even more favourable for the Mumbai Indians, as they have won four of the five games played at the same historic venue.

No doubt that the past record will double up Mumbai Indian’s confidence ahead of the beginning of a new season. Head coach Ricky Ponting emphasised during a media interaction before leaving for Kolkata that the team was looking forward to start well. That is one area where they would hope to improve from last year.

The Mumbai Indians had started their title defence on an unusual note, losing first five games of IPL-7. However, Rohit Sharma’s troupes displayed their ability to bounce back by winning seven of the remaining nine games once the IPL juggernaut returned to India from the United Arab Emirates. It helped them qualify for the Playoffs, where they succumbed to Chennai Super Kings.

A lot has changed, however, since the disappointing loss in the Eliminator and an early exit from the Champions League Twenty20. Ponting has taken over as the head coach, lots of young Indian talent has been drafted into the MI set up, ahead of the eighth edition.

More importantly, the core group is at their best, which would give a lot of confidence for Mumbai Indians at the start of its season. Rohit has been sensational ever since returning to competitive cricket after missing CLT20 due to a fractured finger. His second double hundred in ODIs was a world-record 263, and recently in the World Cup, he played a scintillating knock of 137 in the quarterfinal against Bangladesh.

Corey Anderson was one of the stars of New Zealand’s memorable ride into the World Cup and was also included in the ICC’s Team of the World Cup. Lasith Malinga ended as Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker.

Kieron Pollard, who couldn’t make the cut for West Indies, would be hungry to make a statement with the bat, ball and in the field too with his astonishing catches. Similarly, Harbhajan Singh would be looking forward to spin his web around the opposition players. Despite their outstanding record against the Knight Riders, the Mumbai Indians would be aware that Knight Riders would be tough nuts to crack, especially after becoming only the second team to win two IPL titles. Gautam Gambhir’s men appear to be an all-round unit. But Vinay Kumar, who was transferred from KKR to Mumbai Indians ahead of the season, would have given Mumbai Indians additional insights into the possible weaknesses of the Knight Riders.

Over to Eden Gardens!