Five-time champions Mumbai Indians had a fairly underwhelming campaign in IPL 2021. However, an even disappointing circumstance awaits them ahead of IPL 2022. With two new teams coming in, Mumbai might be forced to dissolve their competent core before the mega-auctions. The franchise will also have to keep an eye on the future amidst this. Hence, the think-tank will have a tough job to do in the coming weeks. In this article, we take a look at the list of four players Mumbai Indians might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction.
1) Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is the face of Mumbai Indians, and he will be the first name on the retention list. Although he has done well for India in recent years, the returns have not been exactly great for Mumbai Indians. From IPL 2017, Rohit has been contributing around 300 runs every season, which is far from what is expected from a player of his stature.
However, the Mumbai cricketer is an impact player and on his day, he can take down the opposition on his own. Of course, he adds a lot of value with his captaincy skills, and this can never be ignored.
2) Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah will be one of the players Mumbai Indians might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. In 2018, he was retained as the third choice. However, for the upcoming campaign, India’s fast-bowling spearhead is likely to be the second retention by Mumbai Indians.
Since 2016, Bumrah has collected 15 or more wickets in every edition. This is a massive achievement for any bowler. The returns and impact are only increasing in recent seasons. Ahead of a mega-auction, franchises would want to retain players who can lead a particular department in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah is a player who falls in the category. Hence, his retention by MI is all but certain.
3) Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya could be the contenders for this spot in the list of players Mumbai Indians might target to retain ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction. However, Mumbai might just incline towards the West Indian for a couple of reasons.
After a brief lean patch, Pollard has returned to form in IPL. He is now consistently winning matches for the franchise. The player is also doing well with the ball at times. He is an experienced candidate and being 34 years old, he can surely retain his fitness and form for a few more years. Hardik, though, is struggling with form and fitness. Hence, Pollard could be a more practical pick by the franchise.
4) Ishan Kishan
Suryakumar Yadav might have done well in recent years, but Mumbai Indians could target to retain Ishan Kishan instead of SKY. The Mumbai player is above 30 and contributes only in one dimension. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan is a utility cricketer. Although he was currently out of form till the last league game, he can destroy attacks.
Most importantly, he is a wicket-keeper and with two new teams coming in, having a reliable domestic keeper could be important. Kishan is a southpaw and this adds to the variety he can bring to the table. Moreover, with Rohit Sharma likely to be 37 by the end of the next cycle, Mumbai Indians could have to start the hunt for a new captain by then. Kishan, who has led India U19 in the past, is a better option than Surya, who cannot be a long-term captaincy option due to his age.
