NEWS
Follow UsMarcus Stoinis batted at No.8 for Lucknow Super Giants in his only game this season and played a quickfire cameo of 38 runs off 17 balls that almost took the game out of Rajasthan Royals’ grasp. Krishnappa Gowtham played at No.3 for LSG that game in order to have a powerplay base but that might change quickly given Stoinis has had success at the top order in Big Bash League and for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier.
Russell Arnold believes that it would be ideal to have him at the top order to maximize the outcome and give him a chance to expand his base to middle and death overs.
“I would want Stoinis at No.3,” Arnold told Cricket.com while previewing the MI-LSG clash. “He has opened in the past and has a lot of caliber to play long innings for you. Then why don’t you let him face more balls? Of course, they have brought him to carry a specific role but he can bat deep and can even set himself up for the death overs as well.
“It will force the opposition captain to make errors. They also have Rahul who has such a great record against Mumbai Indians. Like Rohit Sharma, he is very crucial to Punjab’s fortunes. If he can stick in there, it would be ideal for Lucknow.”
Mumbai have lost five consecutive matches this season and seemed devoid of ideas in their selection procedures. The lack of better pace bowling options to compliment Jasprit Bumrah has further exacerbated the issue. Arnold feels while bowling is definitely a concern, batting needs to step up for the team to have an impact.
“It is hard to fathom that Mumbai have lost five out of five games so far. Of course, looking at the squad they have assembled so far, it was not very exciting. Despite being the most successful franchise in terms of winning the tournament, there were not much excitement from many in terms of their going on to win the championship.
“The bowling is definitely a concern. But the question needs to be asked if their batting is letting them down as well. A lot of their stars including Pollard, Rohit, and Ishan not clicking. The way they had set up in the past, three power-hitters and three all-rounders, that thing is missing at this point.
"They are of course finding new talents which will, of course, be exciting for them from next year but for this year, a lot of cricket is yet to be played, hence senior players need to step up their game. If senior players win a match or two by themselves, 50-60% of their problems will be solved. Rohit needs to fire at the top to give them that chance. But I reckon this would be 6-0 on Saturday for Mumbai this year,” the former Sri Lankan batter added.