Five-time winners Mumbai have had the worst possible start to their campaign in the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022. They have lost their first four games played in the season so far. In the matches against Delhi and Rajasthan, they were in a winning position at one stage, yet ended up losing. Besides, the team in blue were beaten convincingly by Kolkata and Bangalore.
This is the first time since 2018 that the team has lost its first four games of a season. The team’s batting has been heavily dependent on the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Talking about their bowling, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, every bowler has struggled to penetrate the opposition. Even Bumrah’s form is a concern as he hasn’t been at his best after picking three wickets against Rajasthan. Here, we will discuss the three changes the team needs to do to get back to winning ways.
Three changes Mumbai need to do
- Mayank Markande in place of Murugan Ashwin
After picking two wickets for 14 runs in the game against Delhi, Murugan Ashwin has been ineffective in the last three games. Another leg-spinner Mayank Markande is in the team, and is yet to get a game. Notably, Markande made his Indian T20 League debut for the same team in 2018. In that year, he played 14 games and picked 15 wickets at an average of 24.53, and had an economy rate of 8.36. He can prove to be effective with his googlies.
2. Fabian Allen in place of Ramandeep Singh
This could be a harsh call on the youngster, who just made his debut in the last game. However, the team is in a desperate situation as they need to win almost every game. Notably, the team played with only two overseas players in the game against Bangalore. This means that Fabian Allen can replace Ramandeep Singh. Allen is an effective batter down the order, a useful bowler and a gun fielder. Talking about his numbers, the Jamaica-born has played 69 T20s including the international and league games. In those games, he has scored 750 runs striking at 148.51 and has 42 wickets to his name.
3. Riley Meredith in place of Basil Thampi
Thampi has been ineffective in terms of wickets even though he has cranked up the high pace. Riley Meredith, who can also bowl the same way, can replace him. In the 55 T20s played by the Tasmania-born pacer, he has 71 wickets to his name averaging 23.36, striking at 16.7, and has an economy of 8.38
