IPL 2018: 4 players MI are missing from their 2017 IPL winning squad

Known as one of the most consistent and formidable outfits of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians' reputation is at stake in this installment of the tournament. Their new squad have won only one out of their five games and they now are languishing at the seventh position in the points table, sitting above Delhi Daredevils just on the basis of a healthier net run rate.

While the Indians have pulled off many dramatic comebacks in the past, their squad of 2018 is lacking what we call the 'cutting edge', which is highlighted by the manner in which they have lost four games. At a time when Rohit Sharma's team is making a name for themselves as the new-age 'chokers', let us have a look at 4 ex-MI players from their title-winning squad of 2017, whom MI are missing badly this year.

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#4 Krishnappa Gowtham (Rajasthan Royals)

Gowtham's brilliance handed MI their fourth agonizing defeat

Gowtham has made himself a household name after the destruction he carried out on Sunday (April 22) against his former team. Though Gowtham was a part of Mumbai's trophy-winning squad of last year, he was not provided with any opportunities. But Rajasthan Royals' management knew his potential and went all guns blazing to get his signature.

His price tag of INR 6.2 baffled many but he justified every penny of it when he single-handedly annihilated Mumbai Indians. Requiring 38 runs from 14 balls, no one expected Rajasthan Royals to get the better of Indians except Gowtham. He played a match-winning knock of 33 runs from just 11 deliveries. He has done a fairly good job with the ball as well, picking up three wickets and maintaining an economy rate of just over 8 runs per over.

#3 Shreyas Gopal (Rajasthan Royals)

Gopal didn't get many opportunities at MI

Unlike Gowtham, his Rajasthan Royals teammate Shreyas Gopal didn't attract many bidders during the auction, neither has he delivered a performance that has changed the complexion of a match completely. But he has been one of the silent performers of this year's IPL, and has had an instrumental role to play in his team without grabbing the limelight.

The INR 20 lakhs player was not provided with many opportunities in his former team, but he is a constant feature in RR's playing XI and he is utilizing every opportunity. Gopal has picked up 5 wickets in 6 games and conceded runs at an economy rate of around 7 runs per over. His economical bowling has not only earned him a place in the top 5 economical bowlers' list but also has got him heaps of praises from Shane Warne.

#2 Nitish Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Nitish Rana was a regular in last year's MI Xl

The 24-year-old lad from Delhi played a vital role in Mumbai Indians' title triumph. By virtue of scoring 333 runs last year at an average of 30, Rana bagged a lucrative contract worth INR 3.4 crores from Kolkata Knight Riders and he is proving them right by delivering mesmerizing knocks.

Rana is now the backbone of the KKR batting line-up, which features names like Chris Lynn, Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik. His numbers have gotten better from last year as he has scored 165 runs so far in the tournament at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 135.24.

#1 Ambati Rayudu (Mumbai Indians)

Ambati Rayudu left MI after a long and memorable stint

Unlike the previous three mentions, Ambati Rayudu had a very long and memorable stint with the three-time IPL champions. However, headed by Mahela Jayawardene, MI management wanted to look elsewhere for their new squad. As a result, Rayudu found himself at Chennai Super Kings for just INR 2.2 crores.

Only a few would have expected him to be a starter, but Rayudu has done an exceptional so far for MS Dhoni's team. He has scored 201 runs in 5 games at an average of over 40. We can very well say that Rayudu has come of age as his 2018 strike rate of over 160 is his personal best so far after eight IPL campaigns. He has enlisted his name as an Orange Cap candidate, and in this shaky batting order of MI, an experienced presence of Ambati Rayudu is being missed badly.