Here're the mistakes Mumbai Indians should avoid in IPL 2019
What's the story
Mumbai Indians open their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 campaign against Delhi Capitals at home on March 24.
The three-time IPL winners have roped in some big names, besides retaining most of the core squad.
After winning IPL 2017, Mumbai Indians couldn't quite reach the heights last year.
Here are the mistakes which they should avoid this term.
Strong start
Mumbai need to start winning from the first game
Mumbai won just two out of their first seven group stage matches last season.
This derailed the campaign for Rohit Sharma's side.
In the end, they had too much to do, which kept them on the back-foot.
Mumbai cannot afford a similar start in IPL 12.
They are known to be slow starters, but the tag has to go away.
Close encounters
Mumbai need to win close encounters
Mumbai need to win close encounters against the top teams.
Last season, we saw Mumbai falling short in four encounters in the final moments.
With all the experience they have got, the side will need to pull out strong performances during crunch situations.
The big players need to take charge with both bat and ball and make the difference in the end.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma needs to open the batting
Rohit Sharma cannot keep coming in the middle order to save the side.
He is best suited as an opener and after a disastrous season with the bat in 2018, the senior cricketer will need to shoulder the responsibility.
Rohit and Quinton de Kock could be able openers for Mumbai and their experience could guide the side.
Mumbai cannot afford to experiment with Rohit.
Middle order
MI cannot afford to lag behind in middle order
MI's middle order is an issue this season as well and that's one area they will need to work upon.
Last term they often lacked the impetus in the middle and they did little to address the same during auction.
So the players available need to come out and give their best shot.
Veteran Yuvraj Singh in particular will have to be the backbone.