Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are struggling for form in IPL 2022. The Rohit Sharma-led squad has played eight games so far and is yet to win a single match. Mumbai Indians will need to make a few strong buys at the IPL 2023 Auctions to get back to winning ways. Their strategy at the IPL 2022 Auctions was slightly unorthodox. Hence, the amends have to be made at the next bidding event. In this article, we take a look at four foreign players Mumbai Indians can target for IPL 2023 to strengthen their squad.
1) Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes pulled out of IPL 2022 to focus more on Test cricket for England. If he gets appointed as the next England Test captain, chances are that Stokes might avoid IPL 2023. However, if he registers himself for the event, Mumbai Indians must try to get him.
Kieron Pollard has not looked to be in form this season. MI needs a replacement for the West Indian cricketer for the future. Ben Stokes seems to be the best bet at the moment. Moreover, with inexperienced players like Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma in the setup, an established name like Stokes could help. Of course, he also adds balance to the playing XI with his medium-pace bowling.
2) Sam Curran
Sam Curran is one of the foreign players Mumbai Indians can target for IPL 2023 to strengthen their squad. The youngster missed IPL 2022 due to an injury. However, he is likely to make a return next season.
Mumbai Indians have used Daniel Sams for bowling in the powerplay and also as a lower-order big-hitter. In both these aspects, Sam Curran is an upgrade. With respect to his batting, the Englishman can also be used as a floater. He has done well before in IPL and hence, Curran should be a good option for the Mumbai Indians. The English cricketer will also be a good fit at the Wankhede Stadium.
3) Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan missed IPL 2022 due to international commitments. If he is available next season, MI must target the Bangladesh cricketer. The franchise needs a leader in the spin department, and there are not many reliable ones going around. Shakib is one player who could help the franchise with his experience with the ball.
MI may or may not use him as a batter but Shakib will also be useful in case there is the fall of an early wicket. Him being in the XI adds good depth and hence, MI can explore this option. Therefore, he is one of the players MI can consider for IPL 2023.
4) Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is also one of the foreign players Mumbai Indians can target for IPL 2023 to strengthen their squad. Well, with a World Cup happening in 2023, Mitchell Starc could yet again miss an IPL edition. However, if he manages to register himself for the event, Mumbai should target the player.
MI has always used the two foreigner-pacer tactics in recent years. This has given a lot of success to the franchise. Jofra Archer is one player who is likely to occupy one place in the XI from next season. Hence, there will be another slot left that MI can target for Starc. If the franchise does pull it off, it will be one of the best bowling attacks in IPL history.
