MI New York count on power hitters to hunt for glory

Outlook:

The MI franchise are all set to add 'the Big Apple'to their 'one family' paltan. With the parallels and similitudes, one could draw between the two cities of dreams set 5,000 miles apart, it was written in the stars the franchise based out of Mumbai would make New York their own, once they had their eyes set on the American cricket market. MI New York now adds up as the 4th franchise under the MI brand after Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town, and MI Emirates. Par for the course, the MI franchise built a strong core for MI New York leveraging the services of global superstars who turn up for them year-round elsewhere.

How did they fare in the domestic draft:

MI New York drafted in the highest number of players from the current USA squad, in all likelihood with the influence of batting coach J Arun Kumar, also the former head coach of USA up until December last year. MINY took a leap of faith by going in with Steven Taylor as their first draft pick. A maverick of sorts, Taylor reserves the prowess to take apart any bowling attack on a given day. In USA captain, Monank Patel, MINY roped in a reliable top order batsman and a genuine wicket keeper. Fresh off his debut ODI hundred for USA on the tour of Zimbabwe, former Pakistan U19 Shayan Jahangir will provide an added wicket keeping option. Left arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige, and fast bowlers Jessy Singh and Kyle Philllip add up to be the rest from the USA contingent.

Already moved bases to the USA, MINY infused some Pakistani flavor to their roster with the signings of all rounder Hammad Azam and paceman Ehsan Adil. Azam started off with a bang in US domestic cricket. He was crowned the MVP for the 2021 Minor League Cricket season before shoulder injury marred most of his 2022 season. 30 year old, Adil, who last played for Pakistan in 2015, breathed fire in the minor league with 18 wickets with a wicket ever 12 balls.

International signings:

MINY come in with in a battery of big ticket international players. Mumbai Indians batting coach Keiron Pollard will roll up his sleeves again to lead the franchise in its inaugural season. Coming off a breakthrough season with the Mumbai Indians, Tim David will look to capitalize on his hot streak. Dewald Brewis, who warmed the bench the entire season for the Mumbai Indians is expected to be play a pivotal role at the top of the order.

Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada resume their association with the franchise after turning up for MI Cape Town. Trent Boult, now a T20 freelancer will continue to ply his trade for MI after a stint with the franchise in the ILT20. His team mate at MI Emirates, Nicholas Pooran will join MINY after a dismal Westindian campaign in Zimbabwe. However, MINY will find solace with the twin Pooran hundreds so far at the World Cup Qualifier.

Probable XI : Steven Taylor, Dewald Brewis, Monank Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Keiron Pollard, Tim David, Hammad Azam, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada , Nosthush Kenjige, Trent Boult

* Buy your MLC tickets on the official Major League Cricket website (https://www.majorleaguecricket.com/matches)