Mumbai Indians arrive with a title to defend but without a veteran talisman

IPL TEAM PREVIEW: The reigning champions will back themselves once again but how will they fare without Lasith Malinga?

Coach: Mahela Jayawardene

Captain: Rohit Sharma

Last season: Winners

Fixtures: September 19 – Chennai Super Kings; September 23 – Kolkata Knight Riders; September 28 – Royal Challengers Bangalore; October 1 – Kings XI Punjab; October 4 – Sunrisers Hyderabad; October 6 – Rajasthan Royals; October 11 – Delhi Capitals; October 16 – Kolkata Knight Riders; October 18 – Kings XI Punjab; October 23 – Chennai Super Kings; October 25 – Rajasthan Royals; October 28 – Royal Challengers Bangalore; October 31 – Delhi Capitals; November 3 – Sunrisers Hyderabad

How did they do last year?

Well, they won the thing. The most successful franchise in the history of franchise cricket’s grandest competition, they claimed their fourth crown with a one-run triumph over Chennai Super Kings, with Lasith Malinga – a legend of team and tournament – clinching the title in the final over of a thrilling game.

Four players scored more than 400 runs last season: Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Jasprit Bumrah took 19 wickets – only three seamers took more.

Who are their key players?

Quinton de Kock: Even in a unit as strong as Mumbai, there is pressure on those at the top to perform. This campaign will be no different for the South African, who scored 529 runs in 2019 – behind only David Warner and KL Rahul.

On the slow, sluggish surfaces of the UAE, his batting and keeping will come under scrutiny – how he adapts in both facets of his game will go a long way to determining how his side do in this unusual edition of a tournament they have so often dominated.

Kieron Pollard: Unlike the vast majority of those taking part in this year’s competition, Pollard arrives in some form, having just captained Trinbago Knight Riders to Caribbean Premier League victory.

On similar pitches to those expected in this year’s IPL, he enjoyed considerable success, peaking during a remarkable, match-winning knock of 72 off just 28 balls. While Rohit Sharma is officially Mumbai’s captain, Pollard – West Indies’ white-ball skipper as well – will have a major impact as a leader, as well as in his guise as an experienced, high-class T20 allrounder.

Jasprit Bumrah: The India fast bowler wasn’t at his best when he last played competitively – during his country’s tour of New Zealand in the weeks leading up to the global standstill caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old remains a vital operator in his Mumbai Indians side; his 19 wickets last year came with an economy rate of just 6.63 – a ludicrously low figure for a man whose skillset is so often utilised in the death overs. He will be even more significant this year in the absence of Lasith Malinga.

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What are their strengths?

A winning mentality goes a long way in franchise competitions. And Mumbai have won the Indian Premier League more than anyone else. To scroll down their squad list is to reel off name after name of proven champions.

The opening partnership of de Kock and Sharma, too, is a world-class combination, while the local-heavy middle order of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya a strong core. The death bowling of Bumrah, of course, is also a major strength.

Where might they have a weakness?

The loss of Lasith Malinga, who has opted out of this year’s competition, is a big blow even to a squad as well stocked as Mumbai Indians. Malinga – for both his unique action and unparalleled experience – is irreplaceable. James Pattinson has been tasked with trying; whether he slots straight in is yet to be seen.

Trent Boult will also improve their seam attack – he took just five wickets for Delhi Capitals in 2019. It will be interesting to see how Mumbai fare on the UAE’s slow surfaces. Instinctively, they don’t necessarily look like a squad set up with them in mind.

Chances of reaching knockout stages?

The champions will back themselves to repeat the feat.

Strongest XI: Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

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