It’s not without reason that the Reliance Industries Limited (read: Mukesh Ambani) went up to $111.9 million (Dhs 411m) to buy the franchise for Mumbai Indians.
As a scion of the biggest industrial empire in India, and that, too, with its headquarters in Mumbai, the eldest of the Ambani brothers saw to it that they did not miss out on a brand which can keep the flag of the country’s financial capital flying.
What’s more, they have got Sachin Tendulkar as their icon – which not only makes them one of the hot teams but also among the favourites for the title.
They have just the right balance between experience and youth, and the word ‘experience’ takes a new meaning when you realise that the team have two of the highest scorers in the 50-over game and with the maximum number of ODI appearances behind them: Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Big-hitting wonders
It will be quite a sight if these two veterans go out to open the innings, with a total of 800-plus one-dayers behind them.
The shorter duration of the game minimises their chances of tiring during the innings, while their spin bowling will come in handy against teams who are chasing under lights with the ball coming slowly on to the bat.
Then there’s Harbhajan Singh to add to the misery of rival batsmen with his flight and control.
The batting has enough muscle down the order with the likes of Robin Uthappa, a key member of Dhoni’s brash young brigade, Ashwell Prince and an all-rounder like Shaun Pollock bringing up the rear.
The pace attack of Mumbai Indians, something which has not been highlighted, is lethal and with enough variety.
While Sri Lanka’s Dilhara Fernando can hit the deck hard and Lasith Malinga can prove to be a handful with an awkward action, the experienced Pollock’s nagging accuracy will be more than useful.
Sport Extra prediction: We are looking at the likely winners.
Mumbai Indians
Owner: Reliance Industries Limited
Bought for: $111.9 million (Dhs 411m)
Designated player: Sachin Tendulkar
Most expensive player: S. Jayasuriya (SL) $975,000 (Dhs 3.5m)
Coach: Lalchand Rajput
Squad: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), S. Jayasuriya, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Loots Bosman, Luke Ronchi, Dominic Thornely, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Abhishek Nayar, Manish Pandey, Pinal Shah, Amit Mishra, Ashish Nehra, Ajinkya Rahane, Yogesh Vijay Takawale, Saurabh Tiwary, Ankeet Chavan, Gaurav Dhiman, Musavir Khote, Siddarth Chitnis, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rajesh Pawar, Rohan Raje, Vikrant Yeligati.
Player to watch: Sachin Tendulkar
The choice is self-explanatory. Like all the great players that his city has given to Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar can be quite bullish when it comes to Mumbai – a fact which should only help his team in a demanding tournament as this. Even after scaling many peaks, his hunger for runs and the desire to stay in the thick of action often puts his younger team-mates in the shade.
Fixtures list
April 20 Bangalore Royal Challengers Mumbai
April 23 Chennai Super Kings Chennai
April 25 Kings XI Punjab Mohali
April 27 Deccan Chargers Mumbai
April 29 Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata
May 4 Delhi Daredevils Mumbai
May 7 Rajasthan Royals Mumbai
May 14 Chennai Super Kings Mumbai
May 16 Kolkata Knight Riders Mumbai
May 18 Deccan Chargers Hyderabad
May 21 Kings XI Punjab Mumbai
May 24 Delhi Daredevils Delhi
May 26 Rajasthan Royals Jaipur
May 28 Bangalore Royal Challengers Bangalore
May 30 First Semi-Final Mumbai
May 31 Second Semi-Final Mumbai
June 1 Final Mumbai
