Pandya in the house, but gaps to fill

With only 217.75cr left, Mumbai Indians may have to depend on inputs from scouts to complete the squad

- Rasesh Mandani 

We are talking about a franchise that has won the joint-most titles in IPL's 15-year history. Mumbai Indians' five titles have come in the last 11 years, which shows greater dominance than Chennai Super Kings in the more recent past. But then, they haven't won a title for three years running. In two of those seasons, they didn't qualify for the playoffs. Last year, they regained some ground but were knocked out in the second qualifier. MI's recent show has been chequered for a team that was used to blowing the opposition away.

They are after glory again, at any cost. Hardik Pandya's staggering return through a much-talked-about trade may be a step in that direction. Getting Pandya back at a 15 crore deduction from the purse is a coup considering Punjab Kings had to spend 18.5 crore to get England all-rounder Sam Curran at last year's auction.

To get Pandya back even before entering the auction room solves many of their immediate as well as long-term problems. With valuable captaincy experience to boot, Pandya is the MI captain-inwaiting. Whether he takes over from this season itself has not been declared yet. Surely, the decision has been made.