Cricket pundit Aakash Chopra talked about the possibility of Mumbai Indians (MI) buying the Australia pacer Mitchell Starc in the upcoming IPL Auction on February 18. He feels the pacer would be ideal for them but doubts if they have enough in their purse to go for him.

Mumbai have released a lot of speedsters from their squad like Mitchell McCleneghan, James Pattinson, Lasith Malinga, and Nathan Coulter-Nile. But the franchise will be going to the IPL 2021 with only Rs 15.35 crore salary cap available.

They have retained the star performer from last season Trent Boult and need a back-up for him. However, someone like Starc has a good reputation and he is expected to be sold at a high price which may not interest MI.

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“They will need at least two overseas fast bowlers now after leaving out so many. They don’t have a backup for Boult and have a vacant fast bowler’s spot also,” Chopra said in his YouTube video.

“If Mitchell Starc comes for 8-10 crores, then Bumrah and Starc will be a fantastic pair. But I don’t think the Mumbai Indians will be able to acquire Mitchell Starc if he puts his name,” he added.

Starc hasn't been a regular part of IPL and he mostly pulls out of the tournament to focus on international cricket. But the pacer is interested in playing the cash-rich league this season with T20 World Cup scheduled in 2021.

Chopra feels MI can also eye the spinners for the upcoming season. They may prefer the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane, who have good experience of shorter format and have proven their ability.

“They may also want a backup spinner as the IPL could be in India. They can play a spinner instead of a fast bowler. They could go for Mujeeb or Sandeep Lamichhane. They can go for Krishnappa Gowtham as he can bat as well. They only have Jayant Yadav as an off-spinner,” he said.