MAJOR LEAGUE CRICKET 2025
MI New York crashed out of the 2024 competition in the Eliminator © Sportzpics
Performance Last Season: Playoffs – Eliminator
In line with their franchise history of late-season comebacks, MI New York fought hard in the inaugural MLC season in 2023 to clinch the championship. In 2024, they once again squeaked into the playoffs, this time just scraping by on net run rate. Unfortunately, they couldn’t repeat their playoff success and fell in the Eliminator, defeated by Texas Super Kings, courtesy of a standout performance from Faf du Plessis.
MI New York’s batting issues persisted, with Rashid Khan, despite only contributing through brief innings, being their second-highest run-scorer after Nicholas Pooran, totaling 162 runs. His performance on the bowling front was commendable, taking 10 wickets at an economy of 6.15. The situation highlighted the fragility of their batting lineup, as only Monank Patel showed any consistency, with no other player reaching fifty runs. Following a couple of disappointing seasons, they decided to part ways with USA regulars Shayan Jahangir and the inconsistent Steven Taylor, their first-ever draft pick.
Midway through the season, the franchise benched Tim David, suggesting he may have played his last match for MI. Once a regular member of MI squads globally, David has now fallen out of favor. Additionally, the team may miss the talented Dewald Brevis, who shone in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings and played a key role in MI Cape Town’s championship run earlier this year but chose to focus on red-ball cricket in England.
With these changes, MI stalwarts like Kieron Pollard along with Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Trent Boult will need to take on more responsibility. Boult had a disappointing season, ending with an economy rate over 9, but the team hopes his experience can help turn fortunes around in the upcoming season.
New International Additions:
MI New York will look to center their batting around new signing Quinton de Kock. Despite a decline in form since his international retirement last year, the franchise hopes for his revival as he switches between MINY and Seattle Orcas. The team also welcomes Azmatullah Omarzai, George Linde, and Michael Bracewell, enhancing their all-round capabilities. Fast bowler Naveen-Ul-Haq will debut for MI after departing from Texas Super Kings.
Domestic Players:
It’s a homecoming for Tajinder Singh Dhillon, who joins MI New York from the San Francisco Unicorns. After limited playing time, he seeks a fresh start with a franchise more in tune with his roots. He’ll be joined by Sharad Lumba, who, having recently joined American cricket, has experience with MI from his time in the IPL. His impressive performances in Minor League Cricket earned him a well-deserved draft space.
MI New York actively participated in the domestic player draft, making selections based on talent and potential. Among their picks is former Mumbai U19 captain and Mizoram batter Agni Chopra, marking a symbolic return to the franchise. After previously failing to secure a spot with the Mumbai Indians, he now looks forward to donning their American counterpart’s colors. MINY continues to rely on the promise of USA captain Monank Patel and left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige, while the competition for the final domestic fast bowler spot remains between former Pakistan international Ehsan Adil and rising talent Rushil Ugarkar.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Monank Patel, Agni Chopra, Nicholas Pooran, Tajinder Dhillon, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nosthush Kenjige, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Ehsan Adil/Rushil Ugarkar
© Cricbuzz
