Ben Stokes has retired for test cricket but mentioned he will continue playing county and T20 leagues. Do you think MI should go for him? If yes, it will completely change all the current discussions that are going on for Hardik trade
There wasn't a tournament or a series from 1999 to 2009 where Australia wouldn't be the favourite. They used to crush their opponents. Utter utter dominance. 2005 ashes perhaps was one black spot but the team went on to win the 2007 World Cup and 2009 Champions Trophy.
Then started a horrible 5 year period. Australia did not win a single ICC trophy -
2010 T20
2011 World Cup
2012 T20
2013 Champions Trophy
2014 T20
But these losses were nothing in comparison to their home Ashes defeat in 2010-11. They lost 1-3 and all the 3 defeats were an innings defeat!
They lost another home series to South Africa
They lost the away Ashes too in 2013.
Asia was always challenging. They were whitewashed 0-4 by India in 2013. They also lost to Pak in UAE 0-2
Australia lost a home one day series against SriLanka. Lost an away odi series against England 0-4 and who can forget that famous 2013 series against India where India chased 350 two times back to back.
It was a transition period for Australia. But that couldn't be an excuse. Great teams don't give reasons. They introspect, take tough calls and figure out a way to bounce back
Aus since 2015 have won 2 World cups, 1 t20 worldcup, World Test Championship. Yes, they are not the same unbeatable beasts of the 2000s....but they are still a strong force.
The last 6 years for Mumbai Indians feels very similar to this. But I believe this team will find a way. We may not be able to replicate 5 trophies in 8 years!!! (2013 to 2020). But I do expect our team to become a strong force once again.
Since it's playoffs time, thought of sharing this interesting fact. Mumbai Indians is the only team to win the IPL after losing Qualifier 1. We did it in 2013 and in 2017
What are some other interesting facts? Would love to know
When you bring in a player from another team and replace your successful captain, I am sure one is not thinking about a short stint.
A lot of talks and speculation going around which suggest that Hardik may have played his last for Mumbai Indians. There have been no posts on social media by the MI team like get well soon captain etc which only adds to the speculation.
But releasing Hardik as a player simply doesn't make sense. As a captain, management should talk to him and have a proper discussion. They have to convince him to play as a player just like they convinced Jadeja in CSK. It will be shocking if the management is not able to convince him or release him. That is very concerning because it shows the management is thinking only short term and will keep on taking such decisions.
Do you think Hardik was seriously unwell today? Or was he dropped? Or maybe he sat out himself? A break will definitely do good for Hardik. But one thing MI management shouldn't repeat again - announce a captain through social media without letting the player know. Hardik is still a very valuable player. If management is deciding to remove him, there should be proper communication.
When Sachin captained MI during 2008 to 2011 (Bhajji was captain for 2012), we as fans faced a lot of heartbreaks especially the 2010 finals. We should have won that one but played timid cricket in that final. Nonetheless, it didn't leave us without hope. Every year fans went in with the belief of winning the title. We were again brilliant in 2011. Should have topped the table but played poor cricket at the backend and ended up losing to prime Gayle in qualifier 2. We played the eliminator in 2012. We were trophy less for 5 years but never felt hopeless
But 2022 to 2026 has been absolutely miserable. And with this year's performance, it made MI look like a third tier team. Haven't experienced such misery. Perhaps the only good thing will be that hard calls will be made. My only hope (1% left) is that this is the lowest point.
Winning the IPL is not easy. A lot of things need to go right - perfect auction, perfect squad balance, perfect execution, a sensible captain and luck. Things clicked well for MI starting 2013 up until 2021 (yes, we lost in 2021 but the squad was still intact).
Post 2021, it just hasn't worked for us. Our auction strategy has been poor, execution has been terrible and for the last few years we don't have a tactical captain. This is the nature of sports and this time we MI fans have to accept it.
We have seen how it took 9 years for RCB to play another final or SRH took 8 years to play another final or Punjab played another final after 11 years. Unfortunately, it looks like MI will have the same fate.
This season is done. Have no hopes from the next one since the team will more or less be the same. What I am concerned with is the next mega auction in 2028. Have a strong feeling that MI will let go off some very key players like Jacks, Rickleton, Pandya (not a captain material but definitely a top player to have) and in turn buy washed players or players beyond their peak. This is where MI has been losing the plot. We were known to scout talent from domestic and other international leagues and bring them into our system. But now we look at players who are doing well for other franchises and getting them to play for us - Has never worked for MI. We got mike Hussey in 2014, mustafizur in 2018, Joffra in 2022, Chahar in 2025....all these had done phenomenaly well for their original teams but never did well for MI. We need Mitch Mclaganen, lendl Simmons, Pollard, Malinga type of players whom we brought into our system and performed well for us. We need to find X factor players.
The team should also start thinking about it's next coach and captain. Mahela and pandya pair hasn't worked..maybe tilak and Rohit or Bumrah and Rohit pair could do wonders..need to have Rohit in our coaching setup.
Winning this tournament is simply not assembling a strong team. It needs more. We were lucky to witness 5 cups in a quick time. But now will need to wait much longer for the 6th one!!