The Mumbai Indians (MI) are facing a spin crisis ahead of the IPL 2025 season with the unfortunate injury to their newly acquired Afghan spinner, Allah Ghazanfar.
The 18-year-old, snagged for a hefty INR 4.8 crore, has been ruled out for at least four months due to a back fracture sustained during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe.
This leaves a significant hole in MI’s spin department, forcing them to seek a replacement who can provide both control and wicket-taking ability.
Here are three potential replacements MI could consider:
1. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb is known for his subtle variations in pace and trajectory, making him difficult to pick. He possesses a deceptive carrom ball and a well-disguised googly, adding another layer of complexity for the batsmen.
Mujeeb is generally a very economical bowler, capable of tying down batsmen in the middle overs and building pressure. This is particularly valuable in T20 cricket, where containment is often as crucial as taking wickets.
Being Afghan, Mujeeb shares a cultural background with Ghazanfar, potentially easing his integration into the team environment.
2. Adil Rashid
Rashid is a proven wicket-taker in T20 cricket, consistently striking at crucial moments. His leg-spin provides a different dimension to the bowling attack, forcing batsmen to adjust their techniques.
Rashid has consistently performed well in T20 leagues, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition batsmen.
His experience can be invaluable in guiding younger spinners in the squad. His wicket-taking ability can provide MI with the cutting edge they need in crucial matches.
3. Michael Bracewell
Bracewell offers a valuable spin-bowling option coupled with explosive lower-order batting. This provides MI with greater flexibility in team selection and allows them to balance their squad more effectively.
His all-round skills provide MI with greater depth and flexibility. His controlled spin bowling aligns well with MI’s strategy of building pressure and stifling the opposition.
He provides a left-arm spin option, adding a different dimension to the bowling attack.
