When the IPL 8 began, the Mumbai Indians got their plot completely wrong. After the first 4 matches, we began to believe that Mumbai would crash out of the League, giving the rest of the teams a chance to keep their hopes afloat. They were being treated as a light opponent, despite having the best of names gracing their dug out in the form of support staff.
However, once they were deep in the middle of the league, they began unleashing their weapons and soon, from being an easy opponent, they were becoming a rather potent force. Here’s NewsMobile’s analysis of the Mumbai outfit so far.
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Batting
Their batting has been in roaring form. They have a pretty strong lineup on paper and even on the 22-yard, these names have lived up to the hype around them. Simmons has been absolutely consistent, performing in almost every single match. Parthiv Patel, Unmukt Chand, Rayudu and even Harbhajan Singh have been in the midst of runs. Skipper Rohit Sharma, of course, has led from the front.
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Bowling
Their bowling has been their weak link. Despite having bowlers who’ve cranked up the heat on the opponents, the trouble for them has been the fact that it’s been pretty inconsistent. There’ve been matches when the team has ridden on the wave whipped up by them, but there have been many time when the bowling has fallen face flat. Harbhajan, Malinga, McClenaghan, Suchith and all have been coming up with good performances, but none consistent and most expensive as well.
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Key Players
Their batting holds the key to their success. Focus will be on Simmons who’s played a cracker of a league so far for them. Parthiv Patel, Rohit Sharma and Rayudu will be their other key players. In terms of bowling, Harbhajan,  McClenaghan and Malinga have to perform.
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Observations
Mumbai Indians started off badly, but gained momentum soon. They haven’t lost that so far.
They lost the first 4 matches, but got back into the league with 5 wins on the trot.
Of their total 15 matches, they’ve won 9.
Have beaten Chennai twice in their 3 meetings.
Their batting is their strength, their bowling can emerge to be the dark horse.