As the auction date for IPL 2023 approaches, teams are shortlisting players they would like to go after on December 23 in Kochi. Five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians seem to be a team on a mission. According to some trusted sources, MI is eyeing to rope in the star Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza during the upcoming IPL auction. It has been conveyed to us that Mumbai Indians might go all-in to get the services of Raza.
Why So Much Interest in Sikandar Raza?
Sikandar Raza is enjoying the form of his life in both formats of white-ball cricket. He played some stellar knocks against India and Bangladesh when these countries were touring Zimbabwe earlier this year. He carried his form into the recently concluded T20 World Cup in Australia as well. Not only he is undergoing a purple patch with the bat, but he has also been in exceptional knick with the ball in hand as well. Raza has scored more than 500 runs and scalped 25 wickets in 2022 itself.
Why MI is Interested in Raza?
Mumbai Indians currently do not have the services of their stalwart Kieron Pollard after he announced his retirement from IPL last month. In this regard, Sikandar Raza can be a like-for-like replacement for the big Trinidadian. Razam bats in the middle order for his national team. It means that if MI can rope him in the upcoming auction, he can naturally be slotted in their middle order. With no change in batting position, he might prove to be very effective in bringing MI’s campaign back on track.
How Much Money Does MI Have Left?
Mumbai Indians are one of the teams that will go into the IPL 2023 auction with a significant purse amount. The total purse value of MI is INR 20.55 cr. It will be interesting to see if they spend a hefty amount on Raza, how will they manage to fill the remaining of their slots.
