After playing five games in the IPL, Mumbai Indians are languishing eighth in the table with just one win and four losses. The latest reversal was against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home by 12 runs. Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya put up a brave fight with the bat but Krunal Pandya’s four wickets helped RCB end their ten year wait for a win at the Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai will next play Delhi Capitals away from home on 13th of April and will have a lot to think about as far as their team is concerned. Mahela Jayawardene will have to take some stern decisions if MI have to make it to the playoffs. Some of the non performing players will have to be benched to perform a turnaround.
Here are the three players MI should bench for the rest of the season
3. Mitchell Santner
Mumbai’s decision to play Mitchell Santner as a frontline spinner hasn’t paid off. The 33-year-old has picked just a solitary wicket in those games which was against KKR. In the game against RCB, Santner was hit for 40 runs from his four overs with 20 runs coming in his final over. MI have Karn Sharma in the team who has been a proven wicket-taker in the IPL. Santner has been struggling to pick wickets or contain runs since the start of the season and is one of the biggest candidates to be benched for the rest of the season.
2. Will Jacks
English all-rounder Will Jacks was picked by MI hoping that he could do wonders with the bat as well as with the ball. Jacks scored a brutal ton for RCB in the 2024 season against Gujarat. The 26-year-old has failed to grab the chances that have been awarded to him and with Bevon Jacobs waiting in the wings, it is time for MI to give the young Kiwi batter his chance. So far, Jacks has played four games and scored 54 runs with an average of 13.5 and picked just one wicket.
1. Deepak Chahar
The biggest let down for MI has been the form of Deepak Chahar as the 32-year-old has failed to pick wickets with the new ball. Chahar was known for his exploits with the new-ball during his time with Chennai Super Kings. After taking four wickets in the first three games, Chahar has gone wicketless in the next two encounters. Chahar bowled just two overs against RCB and conceded 20 runs with the ball in what was the final over.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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