Batting-heavy Mumbai hurt by Malinga injury

Mumbai Indians' campaign over the last two years has followed a template. In 2014, they didn't have a single point after five games, before stringing together seven wins in their next nine matches to seal a playoff berth. Their 2015 tournament can once again be split into two parts. They opened with four successive losses, but an injury-forced change to the opening combination and several key players stepping up helped Mumbai turn it around and finish second on the points table. After edging past Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier, they beat the same opponents in the final to lift the trophy for the second time.

Like most years, Mumbai begin as one of the favourites. While the length of the tournament gives teams ample time to bounce back, Mumbai wouldn't want to find themselves in a predicament early and would be hoping for a smooth start to their title defence. Five of the seven purchases made by Mumbai in 2016 were local players. Mumbai splurged INR 3.2 crores on Nathu Singh, the right-arm medium pacer from Rajasthan, who, it has been reported, has already created a favourable impression on Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil. But whether he fits in a star-studded line-up remains to be seen.

While it's hard to pick a stronger suit, Mumbai's batting looks more dangerous than their bowling. The timely recovery of Kieron Pollard, who missed the World T20, from a knee injury will come as a relief. Rohit Sharma has already indicated his preference for opening and could be partnered by one of Lendl Simmons or Parthiv Patel. Considering Mumbai's ample firepower, Rohit could also drop anchor and build the innings. With Pollard, Corey Anderson, Jos Buttler, Hardik Pandya and Ambati Rayudu to pick from, Mumbai's middle order is among the most destructive forces in the competition.

Lasith Malinga is all but ruled out of the tournament, but Mumbai have enough bench strength to make up for it. Malinga's absence improves the playing chances of Tim Southee - one of two overseas inclusions along with Jos Buttler. Jasprit Bumrah's fantastic few months with India makes him a certainty and the carrier of slog-over bowling duties.

Mumbai have four specialist spinners and yet have variety - offspinner Harbhajan Singh, left-arm spinner J Suchith, legspinner Shreyas Gopal and offspinner Akshay Wakhare. Despite the presence of several pacers, Mumbai chose to shore up that department in the auction, leaving their spin unit wearing a slightly depleted look. But with the Wankhede surface among the flattest in the country, as evidenced in the World T20, it may come down more to how astute the bowler is rather than the kind of bowler operating.

Mumbai have seven foreign players to choose from and it isn't straightforward to identify their best combination. If Simmons opens the innings, Mumbai will have to choose between Anderson and Pollard. Likewise, only one of Mitchell McClenaghan or Southee is likely to make the cut.

Additionally, with a wicketkeeper already there in Parthiv, it remains to be seen if Buttler is handed the big gloves or used as a specialist batsman only.

Rohit Sharma had a central role to play in Mumbai's turnaround and subsequent win in 2015. Rohit's detractors are always ready to criticise him, and after a poor World T20, he will be keen to prove a point. Besides, Rohit has already shown his willingness to take responsibility in past editions, and captaincy has done wonders for his batting. Rohit's 390 runs at a strike rate of 129.13 in 2014 was the second highest for a Mumbai batsman. In 2015, he amassed 482 runs at a strike rate of 144.74 - that included a 26-ball fifty in the final against Super Kings.

Lendl Simmons has been a consistent performer for Mumbai. He was the franchise's highest run-scorer in 2014, despite playing seven matches fewer than the next best performer. Simmons has also shown the ability to step up when it matters. In 2015, he replaced an injured Aaron Finch at the top and scored 540 runs to once again top the batting charts. More recently, he blasted a match-winning 82 not out in the World T20 semi-final against India after being called up just two days prior to the match.

Harbhajan Singh will be expected to keep the run-flow in the middle overs in check, a task he has performed brilliantly over the years as a career economy rate of 6.61 after 195 T20 matches testifies.

Mumbai weren't the most active franchise at the auction, making just seven purchases - the least, along with Kolkata Knight Riders. Mumbai struck a good deal with Buttler's acquisition for INR 3.8 crore. While Buttler bagged the highest price among the seven players, his imperious form during the World T20 and big-hitting ability should make for a favourable return on investment.

Mumbai are yet to announce a replacement for Malinga. There are no other known injury concerns.

Mentor - Sachin Tendulkar, head coach - Ricky Ponting, coach - Paras Mhambrey, assistant and batting coach - Robin Singh, bowling coach - Shane Bond, fielding coach - Jonty Rhodes, assistant strength and conditioning coach - Afzal Khan, trainer - Paul Chapman.

"It is very important to start the tournament the way you want. T20 format is about momentum. The way you play reflects in the next game. We have stressed on it. We haven't started well, but have managed to win the title. We don't want to repeat that this year though."
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma