By Swapneel Deshpande June 10, 2023
Mumbai Indians journey in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an end after being knocked out by the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. Despite a challenging start, the five-time champions managed to secure the fourth spot on the points table with eight wins from 14 matches.
While their batting prowess propelled them into the top four when many had doubted their chances, Mumbai Indians now need to focus on strengthening their bowling attack for the next season. This year, they faced the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to back stress fracture surgery, depriving them of the anticipated lethal combination with England’s Jofra Archer, who also left midway due to injuries.
Looking ahead to the IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians will be aiming to build a stronger side by making significant changes to their squad. Here are the top three players who might be released before the auction:
Chris Jordan, who was signed as a replacement for the injured Jofra Archer, failed to deliver on expectations. Despite being considered a death-over specialist, the Englishman managed only three wickets in six matches, conceding 237 runs at an economy rate of 10.77. As a result, it is likely that Mumbai Indians will part ways with him.
Arshad Khan was a promising find for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the tournament, hampering the team’s plans to fill the void left by Jasprit Bumrah. In IPL 2023, Arshad could only secure five wickets in six matches, with an economy rate of 13.41. Considering his limited impact, Mumbai Indians may decide to release him and explore other options.
Hrithik Shokeen’s performance in IPL 2023 fell short of expectations. After impressing in the previous season with two wickets and 25 runs in five matches, the 22-year-old all-rounder struggled to make a significant impact this year. With just three wickets and 23 runs in eight matches, Mumbai Indians might opt to free up their purse and release Hrithik.
In preparation for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction, Mumbai Indians will likely focus on acquiring fresh talent and strengthening their bowling department. With key players set to be released, the franchise will have an opportunity to rebuild their squad and maintain their consistent success in the tournament.
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