IPL 2019: 3 international stars who could be the key for Mumbai Indians

The 12th season of the Indian Premier League is about to begin and we all can’t wait enough for it to begin. Since 2008, the IPL has been home to nonstop high-quality cricketing action. It has also provided the fans the opportunity to watch new youngsters in the action along with many cricketing legends.

It won’t be any different this time. The closer we get to the mega event, the more is everyone busy talking and discussing all the eight teams in the competition, their strengths and weaknesses.

Mumbai Indians is one of the top two teams in the history of the competition. They are known to be slow starters and often peak at the business end of the tournament. Despite doing that, they failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last season. It was a disappointing result for the defending champions.

One of the reasons MI failed to deliver was the failure of consistent and match-winning efforts by their big international players. In this article, we will have a look at 3 international stars who are crucial to Mumbai’s chances in this edition of the IPL.

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#1 Ben Cutting

Ben Cutting

The hard-hitting batting all-rounder from Australia is a great player to have in your T20 team. Known for his hard-hitting abilities and match-winning cameos, Ben Cutting also adds value to the team as someone who can chip in with a few overs if needed & is an excellent athlete in the field.

Cutting was a part of last IPL as well but Mumbai Indians failed to make use of his abilities. He wasn’t part of playing XI for the most part of the tournament due to the presence of Kieron Pollard and the rule of only 4 overseas players. When he was given the chance, he did well for Mumbai. playing a brilliant cameo versus KKR to give a perfect finish to the innings and a valiant effort in the last encounter vs Delhi Daredevils,

Cutting has had a great Big Bash League with the bat and is in a great form. If used wisely, Cutting can be a vital cog and a match-winner for Mumbai this IPL.

#2 Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock

This ex-RCB player has been traded to Mumbai Indians this IPL and can be a great asset for the 3-time champs.

Quinton de Kock has been in a great form in the ODIs this year. In his last 6 innings, he has scored 5 fifties and one of them was converted into a hundred. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore last IPL, de Kock couldn’t make the impact he was expected to do.

Also due to the presence of Brendon McCullum, de Kock wasn’t part of playing XI on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that he had a rather average year for his national side before the last IPL and wasn’t in great form.

This year, he has the form on his side. Also, de Kock will play most of his matches at Wankhede Stadium. Wankhede is a great pitch for stroke makers like de Kock who likes the ball coming onto bat with pace. It isn’t a slow surface like Chinnaswamy was in last IPL.

If he clicks this IPL, he can make serious damage to the opponents.

#3 Jason Behrendorff

Jason Behrendorff

This big quick from Australia has made a good name for himself in quite a short amount of time. Jason Behrendorff did a very good job for his team Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League and made his way in the Australian T20 and ODI sides.

He impressed everyone with his spell versus India in a T20 match at Guwahati in 2017 when he got India’s top order cheaply with his ability to swing the ball both the ways.

Behrendorff might not play all the matches of the tournament since he might be recalled for national duties near World Cup and will even miss first few matches, but he will be a handful for Mumbai Indians for whatever amount of time he plays for. Behrendorff’s main strength is his ability to move the ball in the air. On a deck like Wankhede, he might get some helpful conditions for swing bowling and can also make use of the extra bounce due to his height.