IPL 2022 | Watson resonated with millions of fans when he criticised the MI’s auction strategy

For current Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Assistant Coach, Shane Watson, Mumbai Indians’ (MI) poor showing in IPL 2022 has not been a surprise. Mumbai are in chaos as they are yet to open their account after playing five matches.

The former Australian all-rounder, Watson, resonated with millions of fans when he criticised the Paltans’ auction strategy. The five-time IPL champions spent a whopping 15.25 crores on wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. They also emptied their purse on England’s injury-prone Jofra Archer. 

Watson commented that it was not worth squandering a heavy amount to bring back Kishan into the Mumbai squad. The southpaw has blown hot and cold and not been in his elements this season.

Questioning Mumbai’s auction strategy on the YouTube channel, ‘The Grade Cricketer,’ Watson commented, “It hasn’t surprised me that Mumbai Indians are at the bottom of the table because they had a shocking auction. Spending so much money on Ishan Kishan… He is a very talented and skilful player, but he’s not worth blowing nearly your whole salary on. 

“And then, going for Jofra Archer, not knowing whether he is going to come back in. He hasn’t played cricket for quite a while. They have got quite a few holes in the team.”

The Rohit Sharma-led unit went into the auction with a purse of 48 crores after retaining captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard. After squandering a significant amount on Kishan and Archer, they were left with a tight budget. However, they could not muster a strong bowling lineup as Bumrah has been the lone warrior with the ball.

The ex-CSK Player also commented on his former team’s equally poor show in the IPL. CSK managed to get the first points on board in their fifth outing. However, they have been missing the services of Deepak Chahar, who has been ruled out with a back injury.

Watson commented, “They paid a lot for him (Deepak) at the auction, but he is (likely to be) unavailable for a lot of the tournament, which is a big hole. They don’t have a quality overseas quick like Josh Hazlewood. Earlier, they always had a world-class overseas quick bowler. That’s why they are struggling.”