Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have had a shaky start in this year’s IPL. They have lost 3 off 4 matches played so far and critiques have started questioning the team’s ability while the fans are yearning for a win which will turn things around for them. This is not something new for the Mumbai Indians fans. MI have a reputation when it comes to stuttering starts and picking up momentum in the second half of the tournament by a claim of winning streaks.

Before the crucial match against RCB, Ponting seemed very confident on his team’s ability to reach the final stages of the tournament. Ponting said, “We have not started well but I believe that we have great players who can take the team through to the playoffs round.” MI has been constantly shuffling the team players and their batting line-up. They have tried a few combinations but nothing seems to be clicking for the defending champions. Pollard who missed the last match due to food poisoning will also be available for selection. “Full squad is available for selection for MI vs RCB match. Pollard will have a full intensity training,” said Ponting. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been criticised for his captaincy as well as his performance, to which Ponting said, “Rohit Sharma is willing to do whatever the team needs him to do.”

Ambati Rayudu played a crucial innings for MI to take them to a respectable total in the match against SRH. Ponting praised the batsman’s performance as he said, “Rayudu will bat at number 3 for the next couple of games. He played a great knock in the last match.”