Mumbai Indians have to live up to their massive reputation

Under the guidance of one of the best batsmen cricket has seen, Mumbai Indians have always been a formidable attacking unit in the Indian Premier League. Sachin Tendulkar though is not the only legend to watch out for in this team.

In the sixth edition of IPL, the team will be under the leadership of Ricky Ponting who has been in devastating form. Named Sheffield Player of the Year recently, the Australian veteran has enormous experience that can bring out the best in both batsmen as well as bowlers.

Strengths:

Proven demolishers like Ambati Rayudu, Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard are capable of making Ponting's reign as skipper, a lot easier. Rayudu in particular can stake a strong claim for a berth in the national side, especially after a decent domestic season. And the IPL circuit is not unknown to the 27-year-old who has played several critical knocks in the past.

In fact, Mumbai Indians is known as a side which is extremely balanced and therefore lethal. While Rayudu can explode without warning, the more seasoned campaigners - Ponting, Lasith Malinga, Pollard, Mitchell Johnson and Tendulkar - can come together to give fans a lot to cheer about.

Fans do form a critical part of Mumbai Indians' offensive strategy.  The team has a huge chunk of dedicated followers. During any Mumbai Indians' match, the stadiums are reported to be jam packed. While Tendulkar may be a definite reason - seeking the elusive IPL trophy after winning the World Cup in national colours- the enormous potential of the side is also a very crucial factor.

Weaknesses

- Going the distance: The team, perhaps, needs a different tactical strategy when it comes to playing knockout matches. They tend to lose the plot at crucial junctures: 2008 and 2009: Failed to enter semifinals, 2010 - Lost finals to Chennai, 2011 - Lost in the playoffs, 2012 - Failed in the eliminator, ended up 4th in the points table.
- Harbhajan Singh: Has been woefully out of form and failed to make a mark against the Australians in the recently concluded series. Led the Mumbai Indians in the previous edition with some success but his professional career has been spiraling. Needs to bring all of his experience to the IPL matches, especially now that Ojha has been roped in by the team.

Hot players:

Sachin Tendulkar - The team is highly popular since its commencement. All thanks to master blaster. He still is desirous for the one cup that is yet to embellish his cupboard and that should make him a dangerous opponent.

Kieron Pollard - The all-rounder from West Indies is a precious asset for Mumbai Indians since 2010. He is one of the most aggressive batsmen. He is game changing player, a useful bowler and an exceptional fielder too.

Dinesh Karthik - Karthik is one blessing who balances the squad. He is a specialist wicket keeper and an aggressive batsman. His experience always counts.

Ricky Ponting - He has already marked his name in the books of history and he is recognized to be the most successful cricketer to have ever played this game. The duo of Sachin and him will be the inspiration for the young players of the team. He will bring in fresh perspective in the team leadership. The most uncompromising player of his generation is ready to lead the team with superior abilities. Runs come naturally to him and he is born to break records.

Lasith Malinga: .T20 comes naturally to Lasith Malinga. He has already got stringiest economy rates in IPL. He can bowl very fast too.

Pragyan Ojha: Has filled the need for a good left arm spinner in the side.


Overall, this team has one of the best chances of claiming the trophy this year. This after 'choking out of close encounters in the previous years.'

Mumbai Indians Squad - 2013

List of Indian Players

Sachin Tendulkar, Akshar Patel, Aditya Tare, Ambati Rayudu, Amitoze Singh, Dhawal Kulkarni, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, Munaf Patel, Pawan Suyal, Pragyan Ojha, Rohit Sharma, Surya kumar Yadav, Sushant Marathe, Yuzvendra Singh Chahal, Jalaj Saxena, Rishi Dhawan

List of foreign players

Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting(Captain),Dwayne Smith, Aiden Blizzard, Glenn Maxwell, Lasith Malinga, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Phil Hughes, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson.