Mumbai Indians (MI), one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is gearing up for the IPL 2024 season with significant changes to their squad. As the team seeks to secure their first title since 2020, MI has been active in the trade market and made some eyebrow-raising decisions in player releases.
The big news ahead of the IPL 2024 auction is the acquisition of Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans (GT) and his appointment as the new captain of MI. This move signals a fresh leadership direction for the team, emphasizing Pandya’s integral role in the squad.
In a surprising move, Cameron Green was traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to create salary space for the acquisition of Hardik Pandya. Simultaneously, MI brought in Romario Shepherd from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as part of their squad revamp. These changes set the stage for an interesting team dynamic in the upcoming season.
Mumbai Indians made a mistake releasing these 3 players
While MI is known for nurturing young talents, their decision to release three promising players has raised eyebrows. Mohammad Arshad Khan, an all-rounder with promising performances in domestic cricket, was let go. Hrithik Shokeen, a standout all-rounder with a track record of success, also found himself on the released list. Additionally, Ramandeep Singh, a powerful hitter instrumental in Punjab’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win, was surprisingly released.
#3 Mohammad Arshad Khan: A Missed Opportunity for MI
Mohammad Arshad Khan’s journey seemed poised to become a quintessential success story for MI. Initially under the radar, the all-rounder made his IPL debut with Mumbai last season, playing six matches and securing five wickets. Despite an alarming economy rate exceeding 13, Arshad showcased glimpses of his ability to swing the ball and employ cutters effectively. Notably, the left-hander also demonstrated his batting prowess, earning a promotion during IPL 2023.
Despite his potential, MI has opted to part ways with Arshad. His recent achievement of two three-wicket hauls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy highlighted his capabilities. Left-arm fast bowlers with batting skills are a rarity, and at 25, Arshad could have been afforded more opportunities to acclimate to the IPL level.
#2 Hrithik Shokeen: Untapped Potential and Unfulfilled Promise
Hrithik Shokeen, a spirited cricketer with 13 appearances for MI over the past two seasons, finds himself on the move as Mumbai chooses to release him. Despite being a standout performer for Delhi, Shokeen struggled to secure a consistent spot in the side. His confrontational approach to challenges in domestic cricket, especially as an off-spinner contributing with the bat, makes him a unique prospect in a niche area that is less explored at the senior level in the country.
With his distinctive skill set, age, and mental fortitude, Shokeen appeared poised to evolve into a genuine match-winner in the IPL. His release raises questions about MI’s decision, as his potential contributions could have been valuable in IPL 2024.
#1 Ramandeep Singh: The Powerful Hitter MI Let Slip Away
Ramandeep Singh’s role in Punjab’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph showcased his prowess as an all-rounder. While making his IPL debut with MI, he delivered impactful cameos lower down the order in the domestic campaign, highlighting his serious power-hitting abilities. Aged 26, Ramandeep’s dual skills as a batsman and someone who can roll his arm over made him a potential backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.
However, MI’s decision to let go of Ramandeep, perhaps influenced by the impact player rule, is questionable. Despite being perceived as unreliable in both departments, his stellar form for Punjab should have warranted retention. With a T20 strike rate of 155.5 and a bowling average of 17.53, Ramandeep possesses untapped potential that could have been harnessed for MI’s benefit in IPL 2024.
Also, see:
IPL 2024 controversy: Pandya agreed to MI trade only for captaincy
