CLT20 2014: SWOT analysis of Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI), along with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have been one of the most consistent IPL teams ever since the tournament’s inception in 2008. They may have had a shaky start as a franchise, having not qualified for the knockout stages of the IPL in the first two seasons, but have turned their fortunes around emphatically since then and are one of the most formidable T20 sides at the moment.Apart from having won the IPL in 2013, they have also won the CLT20 title twice in 2011 and 2013. With the 6th edition of the CLT20 about to get underway this weekend, let us take a detailed look at the Mumbai Indians and their chances of mounting a formidable defence of the title.Qualifying stage fixtures:Sep 13: v Lahore Lions, RaipurSep 14: v Southern Express, RaipurSep 16: v Northern Districts, Raipur

#1 Strengths

As far as strengths of Mumbai Indians are concerned, there are none greater than possessing Lasith Malinga. Despite Malinga now being 31 years old and seemingly reaching the twilight of his career, he undoubtedly remains the best death bowler in the world and has been one of the core members of the team over the last couple of years in particular. If Mumbai Indians are to go far in this years tournament, he will once again be expected to play a critical role especially considering the overall inexperience of the bowlers around him.

Mumbai Indians, arguably, have the most explosive middle-order in this years competition with the presence of Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson and Kieron Pollard in the top 6 of the batting line-up. You only have to look at Mumbai Indians stunning run chase of 190, within 15 overs, against Rajasthan Royals in last seasons IPL to realize what they are capable of when they all get going.