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Sanjay manjrekar. (Photo Source: Fiona Goodall-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

In a bid to revamp their squad ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, the Mumbai Indians are eyeing some big international names. Renowned cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar believes that they might set their sights on Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc to bolster their bowling attack.

Manjrekar did not hold back in critiquing Mumbai Indians’ past auction strategy, expressing that their team selection had been subpar. With the release of notable names like Jofra Archer, there is speculation that the franchise might aim to secure the services of some prominent overseas fast bowlers. 

“Mumbai Indians were pretty poor if I have to be brutally honest, with their auction. So they have corrected most of their mistakes (with their trades and releases). I think they might need a backup overseas bowler because they have got Jason Behrendorff, there is no Jofra Archer,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.

As per Manjrekar, following Australia’s recent triumph in the ODI World Cup, there is an expectation that many Australian players, particularly the likes of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood, will be in demand.

“With Australia’s recent triumph (in the ODI World Cup), you will see a lot of the Australian players, especially people like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. So Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc could be two bowlers that Mumbai Indians would be gunning for,” he added.

Mumbai have strong middle order, but they might be lacking in pace department: Sanjay Manjrekar

The Mumbai-based franchise has a significant purse of INR 17.75 crore at their disposal for the auction, allowing them to make strategic moves. With a strong middle order, featuring the likes of Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Tim David, Manjrekar suggests that the focus for the team would be on strengthening their pace bowling.

“They have got a great middle order. Somebody like a Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya comes in, there is Tim David as well. Pace bowling-wise, maybe a little short. So they might want to have another overseas option,” he added.