The 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to start from Friday, March 31. This year, the tournament is returning to its original home-and-away format. A total of 74 matches will take place this year, and they will be played across 12 different venues in India. With five titles to their name in the last 15 years of participation in the cash-rich league Mumbai Indians is the most successful franchise in IPL history and in 2023, the Rohit Sharma-led side would like to forget the bad memories of last year’s edition and make a stunning comeback.
In the IPL 2022, for the first time in the history of the world’s richest franchise cricket league, MI finished at the bottom of the points table. The team was only able to win four of the 14 matches, but this time, the side would want to turn the tables around and aim for the record-extending sixth title. However, it won’t be an easy job because even before the start of the tournament, they suffered a double injury blow. MI pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson have been ruled out of the entire tournament. MI’s bowling attack was already looking weak, and the injuries to the pace duo made the matter even worse. But cricket is a game of uncertainty, so one can expect MI to overcome the early setback and go all guns blazing in IPL 2023.
Ishan Kishan (WK): MI signed Ishan Kishan for Rs 15.25 crore in the mega auction last year, and after finishing as the leading run scorer for the team last year, he would want to score even more runs this year and be a bit more consistent.
Rohit Sharma (C): Skipper Rohit Sharma is MI’s biggest strength. He has won five titles as MI’s captain and has found his form in the last couple of months.
Dewald Brevis: South African youngster Dewald Brevis showed a lot of promise in his maiden IPL season last year, and now in 2023, with experience of playing in other T20 leagues as well, Brevis can be a big asset for MI.
Tilak Varma: Tilak Verma impressed with his batting in the IPL last year, and in 2023, there will be high expectations from him to repeat the same show.
Suryakumar Yadav: Suryakumar Yadav is the world’s No. 1 T20I batter and has the ability to score all around the park at will.
Cameron Green: In the mini auction that took place last year, MI splashed out Rs 17.50 crore to acquire Cameron Green’s services. The 23-year-old Australian all-rounder will make his IPL debut this year after impressing on the international stage.
Jofra Archer: In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, English pacer Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack for MI and will have big responsibilities on his shoulders.
Arjun Tendulkar: Arjun Tendulkar, who is the son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, has been associated with MI since the 2021 edition, and this year he could make his debut for the five-time champions. He has impressed with his all-round performance in domestic cricket last season; in IPL 2023, he could fill Bumrah’s void.
Shams Mulani: Shams Mulani has made a big name for himself in domestic cricket while playing for Mumbai, and he will hope to do the same with MI in the IPL this year.
Kumar Kartikeya: Madhya Pradesh Kumar Kartikeya played four matches for MI last year, in which he impressed with his bowling. This year, he is expected to lead the MI’s spin attack.
Jason Behrendorff: MI traded Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff from RCB ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction last year, and in the absence of a quality Indian pacer, he is likely to partner Archer with a new ball.
