Ahead of IPL 2023 auction, Mumbai Indians (MI) have opted to restructure their squad and have released up to 13 players from the previous season. Anil Kumble, a former India head coach, believes that they are lacking a “marquee spinner” despite keeping 15 players from the previous season.
Sikander Raza of Zimbabwe might be that pick, according to Kumble, since he would give the team a solid middle-order batting option. The two spin wizards on MI’s squad right now are Hrithik Shokeen and Kumar Kartikeya, both of whom are uncapped.
Mumbai Indians are looking to add a spinner after releasing Murugan Ashwin and Mayank Markande, but Kumble believes they will be obliged to consider possibilities from outside India, such as Adam Zampa or Adil Rashid.
Kartikeya was commended by Kumble, but he also suggested that the Mumbai-based team could wish to add another spinner to their lineup. Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla, two seasoned candidates, are also in the running, but Kumble has favoured Raza because of his all-around skills.
Mumbai Indians don’t have a marquee spinner
Anil Kumble advised MI to go all out in search of an overseas spinner while mentioning Sikander Raza of Zimbabwe as a practical alternative during Jiocinema’s IPL auction expert panel event.
“Mumbai Indians don’t have a marquee spinner in their ranks. Kartikeya did really well for them last year. If they have to go for an Indian spinner with experience than they will have to probably go back to Amit Mishra or Piyush Chawla. I don’t see that happening,” said the former Indian spin wizard.
Other spin options for MI
He continued, “Perhaps, the only option for them is to go for overseas spinner. Who will it be? There’s Adil Rashid, Tabraiz Shamsi, Adam Zampa.”
“I would probably look towards Sikandar Raza because he can also give you a wonderful middle order batting as well, along with his spin which is not easy to pick, and he has done well in the recent past,” added Kumble.
Also Read: IPL 2023 Auction: 3 Spinners Mumbai Indians (MI) Can Target
