IPL 2022: Daniel Vettori, Ian Bishop Weigh In On Mumbai Indians' Decision To Leave Tim David Out Earlier On In The Season

Mumbai Indians registered only their second win in the ongoing IPL 2022 season, beating table-toppers Gujarat Titans by five runs in a thriller on Friday. While Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma set the foundations of MI's match-winning total, it was Tim David's 21-ball 44 blitz that provided the much-needed finishing touches and in the end it proved to be the difference. In MI's previous match as well against Rajasthan Royals, David had smashed 20 not out off just 9 balls, showcasing his stunning hitting abilities. But interestingly, MI had dropped the batter after just two games and didn't bring him back into the fold until the match against RR.

Having bought him for a whopping Rs 8.25 crore in the IPL mega auction, many expected MI to give Tim David an extended run in the team, but it wasn't to be.

Speaking on the matter, former cricketers Daniel Vettori and Ian Bishop questioned MI's decision to leave the batter out of the team.

"That's such an impressive innings. It's Shami, it's Lockie Ferguson. It all looks easy those shots down the ground. Not one ball did he slog. A big, tall man using his strength and using his ability. So impressive to watch. When they are under a little bit of pressure, I think the reflection will be the two overseas early on in the season. I don't think Tim David was injured or ill at the time. So, it would be fascinating to understand why the Mumbai Indians came to that decision to leave a player of his class out when they had two available (overseas) slots," Vettori said ESPNcricinfo's 'T20 Time:Out' show.

"I feel like he has done this before in other leagues where he might have been sat out for a little bit because he is almost unheralded in terms of the fact that he hasn't played