About Mumbai Indians

It was a low-key team with most injuries and controversies in DLF-IPL1. But at the present the team looks complete, the skipper’s back with a new staff and some key replenishments. The power of the side still lies in the top-order, but a few fresh strikers, plus Sri Lanka’s fit slinger Lasith Malinga could give the best hope for Mumbai Indians in DLF-IPL2.

Captain-coach combination: When Sachin Tendulkar is the captain, he is incredibly charge. So the role of Shaun Pollock has been re-defined a bit. He becomes the leader mentor and along with fielding coach Jonty Rhodes expects him to twist things around for Mumbai Indians. If Tendulkar needs more help about South African circumstances, then he has a earlier pro in those parts, Praveen Amre to look after the nitty grit-ties.

Star player: Sachin Tendulkar.

Last year’s record: Played 14, Won 7, Lost 7

STRENGTHS: The batting. Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya form a terrifying blend at the top of the order. They also have youthful South African sensation JP Duminy and Shikhar Dhawan (swapped with Ashish Nehra from Team) to follow. Dwayne Bravo, Graham Napier and Ryan McClaren give fine all-round options.

WEAKNESSES: The seam bowling. With Shaun Pollock gone, the responsibility is totally on Zaheer Khan to do the dual role of containing and attacking. Dilhara Fernando is known to bowl plenty of no balls and Lasith Malinga is just recurring from a long injury lay-off. Kyle Mills is also known to leak runs. Harbhajan Singh (probably in the best bowling form of his life) will sense the pressure.

OPPORTUNITIES: For some of the younger stars in the MI team to impress. They will also be keen to not have the kind of start they had last year (losses in the first four games before winning seven on a trot). The youngsters will also benefit from tips of mentor Shaun Pollock and fielding coach Jonty Rhodes.

THREATS: Ego hassles between coaches Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock and Pravin Amre affecting the team harmony.
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Owner: Mukesh Ambani (industrialist)

Coach/mentor: Shaun Pollock (RSA)

Captain: Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

Foreign players: Dilhara Fernando (SRI), Dwayne Bravo (WIS), Graham Napier (ENG), Jean-Paul Duminy (RSA), Kyle Mills (NZL), Lasith Malinga (SRI), Luke Ronchi (AUS), Mohammad Ashraful (BAN), Ryan McLaren (RSA), Sanath Jayasuriya (SRI).

India stars: Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan.