IPL Team Preview - 1) Mumbai Indians

If just talent could win you the IPL, Mumbai would have won most editions. Overall they have been disappointing performers at IPL, losing vital games at vital junctures. More often than not, they have had a “problem of plenty” which has lead to "plenty of problems". MI have been a classic example of inappropriate use of their resources. Ironically, the only time when they had a lack of big names due to injuries, they won the Champions League.

The Local Talent –Well established and very balanced

They, along with Chennai Super Kings, have the most accomplished local talent in their side. They have the lights of S Tendulkar (the master), R Sharma (once upon a time believed his successor), D Karthik, H Singh, P Ojha, A Rayudu & M Patel.

The Overseas Talent – Some big names, some not so big (still the signing amounts big)

Their most consistent star has been L Malinga, who has been spearhead of the Mumbai Indians pace attack. Ricky Ponting, their newly appointed captain could help manage the team better. K Pollard, who was expected to be a vital game changer, has not delivered as per the high expectations. New signing, G Maxwell also made headlines for his signing amount, Mumbai Indians will be hoping he does the same with his performances. They have some useful allrounders like D Smith, J Franklin & J Oram.

Injury Concerns & The Srilankan Impact – L Malinga, the only big name whose absence in a knockout game could change the balance of the team at a critical stage.

Likely XI – 1) S Tendulkar, 2) R Ponting, 3) R Sharma, 4) D Karthik, 5) A Rayudu, 6) G Maxwell / J Franklin/D Smith , 7) K Pollard, 8) H Singh, 9) L Malinga, 10) M Patel / D Kulkarni, 11) P Ojha