Mumbai Indians will have its task cut out for IPL 2023. The team will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah and at the same time, there are some serious issues with regard to the squad balance. Their first challenge will be against RCB on Sunday. If MI bats first, they will look to bring a bowler as the Impact Sub in the second innings. On that note, here, we take a look at two players Mumbai Indians can use as the Impact Player if they bat first against RCB.
1) Piyush Chawla
One of the surprising signings made by MI at IPL 2023 Auctions is that of Piyush Chawla. The veteran leggie boasts experience but his recent form and fitness are not great.
Nevertheless, MI lacks an experienced spinner, especially when it comes to the wrist-spin department. In this context, Piyush could actually serve a role if he bowls four straight overs in the middle overs. If he can get a few wickets or finish off with an economic spell, Rohit Sharma and co. would be satisfied. Piyush would also be useful to give views to the other young spinners in the squad such as Hrithik Shokeen and Kumar Karthikeya.
2) Sandeep Warrier
Sandeep Warrier is one of the players Mumbai Indians can use as the Impact Player if they bat first against RCB. The Tamil Nadu pacer was recently announced as Jasprit Bumrah‘s replacement for MI. Sandeep could straightaway get a game for MI.
Since Sandeep is good with the new-ball, MI could have him as the option at the end of the first innings. He could even open the bowling with Jofra Archer also bowling one or two overs within the powerplay. Sandeep is actually an intelligent signing by MI because, with the Impact Player rule, they could get the best out of the player.