'They won't be anywhere near finals' - Aussie great slams Mumbai after their loss to Bangalore in ITL 2023

Mumbai vs Bangalore (Image credit: Twitter)

Mumbai were thrashed by Bangalore in their first match of the Indian T20 League 2023 on Sunday, April 2. Overall disappointing performance by the Mumbai players resulted in the five-time champions losing to Bangalore by eight wickets. They have some power hitters in the squad but apart from Tilak Varma none of them could play responsibly. Defending a modest score of 172, their bowlers looked clueless against Bangalore's experienced side and even Rohit Sharma's captaincy failed to make an impact.

Mumbai are one of the most successful franchises in India's men's franchise T20 league, but the former champions have underperformed in the last two seasons, finishing last in the points table last year. Mumbai's fate looks similar this time as well, as Mark Boucher's side have failed to rectify the problems they faced in previous years.

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody feels there are "too many holes" in the Mumbai team and says he doesn't think Rohit and Co will make it anywhere near the finals of the ITL.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, the Australia legend said: "I'm concerned (for Mumbai) because I sort of called it before the start of the ITL that I didn't think they'd be anywhere near the finals. I just feel there are too many holes amongst their team and I don't think they've got a balance in their squad either. They don't have the domestic bowling depth and the international bowling depth", he said.

Where is the experience in that squad?: Tom Moody

The right-handed batter also questioned Mumbai's experience in the team. He also pointed out that they have got a lot of power hitters which makes the team unbalanced.

"They don't have balance with their overseas players either. They've got a lot of power-hitters and young power-hitters in Brevis, Stubbs and David. Three of them are taking up the eight slots that you're given. That doesn't make sense to me. You can see tonight just with Bangalore how important experience is. Where is the experience in that squad?" asked the 57-year-old.

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis put on a 148-run partnership against Mumbai to ensure their comfortable victory. Their skipper was dismissed after scoring a brilliant half-century, but Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 to take his team home. Mumbai will look to bounce in their next game when they will face four-time champions Chennai on Saturday.