Mumbai Indians Look to Shatter Their Opening Match Jinx Despite Important Absences

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have been among the most superior teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for years, with five title wins under their belt. But they have never been able to start their campaigns on a winning note, losing their first match since 2012. The franchise has constantly been forced to play catch-up after a sluggish beginning, and in 2022, they suffered an agonizing nine-game wait for their opening win. Last season was not much improved, with three consecutive losses before they finally achieved a win. This season, MI looks to do something different, but there are a number of hurdles they need to overcome as they get started.

A Challenging Beginning on the Road

MI’s season opener will see them take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK), their long-standing rivals and fellow five-time champions. The venue—Chepauk Stadium in Chennai—poses a significant challenge for visiting teams due to its spin-friendly tracks and CSK’s formidable home record. The Super Kings’ spinners are notorious for trapping opposition batters, and MI will have to counter this strategy effectively to start their campaign on a high note.

Following their clash with CSK, MI will head to Ahmedabad to take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Titans, led by Shubman Gill, handed MI a tough defeat at this very venue last season. This adds another layer of difficulty to Mumbai’s quest for an early-season victory. Given these matchups, MI will need to be at their very best if they are to overcome their historical struggles in opening fixtures.

Missing Key Players-A Setback

If the challenging schedule was not sufficient, MI is also facing the probable absence of two of their key players. Their bowling ace, Jasprit Bumrah, has not yet been cleared by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, and his availability remains uncertain. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted the setback but underlined the importance of looking for alternative solutions.

"Jasprit is at the NCA now, progressing, but we have to wait for the updates from there. His rehabilitation is day by day, and though everything is going fine, we cannot foresee when he will be match-fit. His unavailability is a challenge, but it also gives an opportunity for other bowlers to come forward," Jayawardene added.

To their misery, captain Hardik Pandya will also be absent for the first match owing to a suspension as a result of an over-rate violation last season. In his place, Suryakumar Yadav (Surya) will lead the team. Though there may be some doubts regarding his current poor form—having mustered just 28 runs from five T20Is against England earlier this year—both Jayawardene and Pandya have complete faith in Surya's capabilities.

"Surya has been a match-winner for MI and India for years. I am not concerned about his form. He is an integral member of our team, and his energy raises the team," Pandya said.

In spite of these disappointments, MI is optimistic about their chances. Jayawardene cited the experience of the team and the return of major players as grounds for optimism

"We have a nucleus who know the culture of MI, how to play, and how to win. Some of our old faces have also come back, such as Trent Boult, who was instrumental in our success in 2020. Our emphasis is on blending the new and the returnees, building a cohesive team unit, and making sure we get off to a good start this season," Jayawardene said.

Boult's presence will be particularly important in the absence of Bumrah. Pandya highlighted the need for seasoned bowlers, especially at the Wankhede Stadium, where batting-friendly conditions tend to put bowlers under immense pressure.

"Bowling at Wankhede can be merciless. That is why we have given precedence to experience. We have Mitch (Mitchell Santner), Trent, Deepak (Chahar), and Mujeeb (Ur Rahman), all of whom possess valuable experience. This experience will enable us to deal with various situations," Pandya said.

Although the last season had its share of setbacks, MI regards this year as a fresh page. The side has made huge changes after the mega auction, and Jayawardene feels this gives them an opportunity to create their own future.

"Last season was tough, but we have adapted and have a clean slate to work with. Our emphasis is on coming together as a team, understanding our strengths, and making sure we begin the season on the right footing," he added.

The focus on adaptability and team work will be key, especially in the first few matches, where MI has traditionally struggled. Beating CSK at Chepauk and GT at Ahmedabad won't be simple, but the team is adamant to end the trend of poor starts and establish a solid base for the remainder of the tournament.

Conclusion

The Mumbai Indians have established a history of success in the IPL, but they cannot be rid of their failure in season openers. This season too, they have additional challenges to contend with, thanks to the non-availability of central players and tough away matches. But with a mix of experience, tactical planning, and toughness of mind, they are determined to alter the script. Whether they can finally shatter their opening game jinx or not is to be seen, but one thing is sure—MI is set for the fight ahead.