Although there is no official word yet, a few reliable outlets have started reporting that a maximum of four retentions would be allowed for each franchise ahead of IPL 2022. There would be two new teams coming in, and hence, the RTM card will not be available so that the brand-new franchises are not at a disadvantage. The four retentions could be a combination of two domestic and two overseas players, or three domestic and one overseas player. Mumbai Indians, who have won two trophies since the last mega-auction, will have to disrupt their successful squad. Here are four players Mumbai Indians should retain for IPL 2022.
1) Rohit Sharma
The fulcrum of the squad, Rohit Sharma, will be sure retention for the Mumbai outfit. One of the best limited-overs cricketers going around, Rohit has led Mumbai to five trophies. With over 4000 runs scored so far, Rohit is also the highest run-getter for the franchise.
Rohit was retained last time as well, and even from the perspective of the team’s brand, the opener has to be retained. Although he has been on point as a captain, Rohit’s form with the bat has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Since 2017, Rohit has accumulated over 400 runs in just a single edition. He will look to correct it in future campaigns.
2) Jasprit Bumrah – One Of The Core Members Mumbai Indians Should Retain For IPL 2022
Although he has not even once won the Orange Cap so far, very few pacers have been as impactful as Jasprit Bumrah. Having racked up 115 scalps for MI till now, Bumrah stands No.3 in the list of the franchise’s highest wicket-takers.
In 2018, Bumrah was the third retention for Mumbai Indians. However, his prominence in the squad has increased in the last three years. Hence, it would not be a surprise if MI retains Bumrah in the second position after Rohit Sharma for IPL 2022.
3) Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has not been in the best of form in recent months. He did not fire enough in the first phase of IPL 2021, and his bowling contributions have anyways not been there since 2020. That said, Hardik is a quality cricketer and has a long career ahead of him. In recent seasons, his aggressive nature of cricket has contributed heavily to MI’s brand.
At No.5 or No.6, Hardik’s role in the team is uncomplicated. If he can work on his fitness to start participating with the ball, Mumbai Indians will be given back the balance they had a few years ago. Hence, he is one of the players whom Mumbai Indians should retain for IPL 2022.
4) Kieron Pollard – The Only Foreigner Mumbai Indians Should Retain For IPL 2022
Mumbai Indians did not retain any foreigners before IPL 2018 mega-auction. However, at that time, there was the option of an RTM card. With that not available now, MI will surely target foreign retention.
Kieron Pollard seemed lost a few seasons ago. In 2018, Mumbai Indians had uncertainly rehired him using the RTM option. However, at the moment, the West Indian has become more mature, and his consistency has improved. His experience in the T20 format is also coming in handy. As seen in the recent Caribbean Premier League, Pollard’s variations with the cherry have become effective. A freak hitter of the ball, Pollard’s price would skyrocket if released to the auctions. Hence, MI are likely to retain him before the next edition.
