IPL 2016: Defending Champions Mumbai Indians Remain As Lethal As Ever

Going into this year's auction, Mumbai Indians were easily the most balanced side with 19 players in their squad. After the auctions, they've become even more lethal. They look very strong on paper and have only strengthened themselves with smart buys, vis-a-vis Jos Buttler, Nathu Singh and Tim Southee. (IPL: Bombay High Court Tells BCCI to Shift Matches From Drought-Hit Maharashtra)

Southee may not be in top form, but he can be a shrewd customer with the new ball and could indeed prove to an ideal replacement for Lasith Malinga, whose participation in the event is very much under the cloud.

There have been quite a few surprising picks too. Kishore Kamath, leg-spinner from Karnataka, was picked for a whopping amount even without any first-class experience. Krunal Pandya, the brother of Hardik Pandya, also went for 2 crores. (Indian Premier League 2016: Kolkata Knight Riders, Proven Performers)

Mumbai Indians' New Members:

England's Jos Buttler, who came into the auction for the first time, was bought for a massive price of 3.8 crores. (Indian Premier League Auction 2016: Ricky Ponting Happy to have Jos Buttler, Tim Southee)

Kiwi pacer Tim Southee, who had earlier represented Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, was bought for 2.5 crores.

Nathu Singh, who came into the picture after a good show for President's XI against South Africa in their practice match before the India series last year, was bought for 3.2 crores

As for the other players, Krunal Pandya was bought for 2 crores, Jitesh Sharma for 10 lakhs, Kishore Kamath for 1.4 crores and Deepak Punia for 10 lakhs.

Mumbai Indians Coaching Staff:

Head coach: Ricky Ponting

Assistant and batting coach: Robin Singh

Bowling coach: Shane Bond

Fielding coach: Jonty Rhodes

Mentor: Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai Indians Past Record:

2008: League stage

2009: League stage

2010: Runners-up

2011: Playoffs

2012: Playoffs

2013: Champions

2014: Playoffs

2015: Champions

Mumbai Indians Team Potential:

Just like Kolkata Knight Riders, the biggest strength of Mumbai Indians is their settled line-up. They have a good blend of youth and experience and most importantly, they have two outstanding death bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell McClenaghan.

As for the overseas players, Lendl Simmons and Tim Southee alongwith McClenaghan are most likely to feature in the playing eleven. The only concern for Mumbai is the fitness of West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard. He missed the World T20 due to a knee injury. Jos Buttler is more than a competent replacement for Pollard in the middle-order.