With the 17th edition of IPL commencing on 22nd March, many cricket fanatics eagerly anticipate an intense and exciting summer cricketing clash between the Indian cities and states. The Mumbai Indians squad for the upcoming edition has primarily focused on revamping with the elements of young and emerging players that could benefit their future goals and aspirations.

With the team making a significant change of their five-time champions captain, Rohit Sharma, and giving the responsibility to Hardik Pandya, it is evident that the team is up to something about their plans. So, here is a list of the top four players to check out from the Mumbai Indians squad.

Hardik Pandya

From a long run of rumours and speculations, Hardik Pandya shifted from his previous squad, Gujarat Titans, to his first franchise, Mumbai Indians, in an all-cash deal of INR 15 Crore. Though many cricket fanatics were amused by the decision to make him the team’s captain, Hardik Pandya could be the significant initiator in the plans of Mumbai Indians. Recently getting prone to injuries, Pandya is set to make a robust comeback as the team’s jack of all trades. In his 139-match IPL stint, he has made 2309 runs and scalped 53 wickets.

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma has risen ever since his inclusion in the Mumbai Indians squad from the 2022 edition. With his ability to take the game deep and enhance their middle-order batting capacity, he became one of the top run-scorers in the team. After back-to-back solid seasons, he earned his maiden T20I call-up for the series against West Indies, where he didn’t disappoint with the bat. His ability to switch gears alongside his useful off-breaks makes him a premium product in the arsenal’s setup. In his IPL career, he has made 740 runs in just 25 innings, with a commendable average of 38.95.

See also: IPL 2024: Top 4 Chennai Super Kings players to be in focus

Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee, the South African quick gun, was one of Mumbai Indians’ initial auction choices for Rs 5 crore, with a base price of Rs 2 crore. Coetzee played four T20Is and collected six wickets. He played his last 20-over match against India in 2023. The five-time winners are well-known for their fast bowling, which the club is working hard to enhance for the IPL 2024. The Proteas pacer will support Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Jason Behrendoff’s pace attack. The highlights of his first IPL season will be his quick pace and wicket-scalping technique in crucial moments.

Dilshan Madhushanaka

The Mumbai Indians spent Rs 4.6 crore on Sri Lanka’s left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka as their second pacer buy at the recent auction. In 14 T20 matches, the seamer has 14 wickets at an average of 30.93. It’s not unexpected that the addition of Sri Lankan pacer and South African quickie Gerald Coetzee has enhanced the Mumbai Indians’ pace-bowling department, which already has Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Jason Behrendoff, to name a few. With this player’s debut, the five-time champion bowling team will become one of the tournament’s strongest.