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Aakash Chopra felt that Mumbai Indians have prepared a formidable batting attack by retaining their core.
Yuzvendra Chahal played for Mumbai Indians in IPL (PTI)
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra reckoned that Mumbai Indians (MI) should bolster their bowling department ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to Chopra, the five-time champions “will definitely” consider signing again Yuzvendra Chahal, who can add significant strength to the spin department. With the IPL 2025 mega auctions scheduled to be held later this month, MI have already announced their retention list. All four T20 World Cup winners– Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, along with 21-year-old batting prodigy Tilak Varma, have been handed contract extensions.
Aakash Chopra felt that MI have prepared a formidable batting attack by retaining their core. But as a specialised bowler, they only have Jasprit Bumrah. Chopra shared his stand on the topic in a recent video on his YouTube channel. About MI’s star-studded batting unit, the cricketer-turned-expert said, “Their batting has become strong once again. The problem is that they have only one bowler, who is a four-over bank, but you need more bowlers. Bowling let them down last time as well. They used to score runs, 225 to 250, but used to concede that many as well.”
Aakash Chopra felt MI should bid for Yuzvendra Chahal, who made his IPL debut with the franchise in 2011. He had stayed with them for three seasons and was part of the Champions League T20 as well. As another spin-bowling option, Chopra suggested Washington Sundar, who chipped in with a seven-wicket haul in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand at home.
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“They might have an entire Indian batting lineup and an overseas bowling lineup, with a couple of Indian spinners. They will definitely go after Yuzi Chahal. I don’t know whether they will get him or not. They might want to keep Washington Sundar,” Aakash Chopra said.
Yuzvendra Chahal excelled in the last IPL for Rajasthan Royals. He was the second-highest wicket-taker for the team with 15 scalps. He had maintained an economy of 9.41, bowling in 15 innings. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar got to represent Sunrisers Hyderabad in two games last season. He managed to pick up one wicket at an economy rate of over 14. MI have not yet used the option of retaining an uncapped player.
