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Xtra Time Web Desk : The most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League in Mumbai Indians have had their worst patch of run in the ongoing season of the mega tournament, losing 5 matches in a row without giving much fight to the opposition.

From poor auction strategy to the off form of several cricketers, the five time champions have now hit an unexpected all time low in the tournament. So here are 5 possible reasons which could be the factor behind the astonishingly bad season that Mumbai have had till now :

Rohit Sharma not converting starts : The MI skipper hasn't been in the best of form with his bat and his inability to convert starts has been costing heavily for Mumbai Indians, which has in turn put a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of young players in the middle order. With his highest run being 41 in the tournament opener against Delhi Capitals, the leader of the team, MI needs their skipper to score high runs at the top to get the team back to winning ways.

Struggling Kieron Pollard : Kieron Pollard is time and again proving this season that he has passed his prime. Scoring 57 runs so far this season with an average of 14.25 in the 5 matches he has played so far, the big West Indian has been just a shadow of his past self and has failed to give Mumbai Indians middle order that stability which he provided in the earlier seasons.

Poor auction strategy : The five time IPL champions had been criticised earlier for their unexpected poor show in this season's mega auction. The Mumbai franchise did spend too much on Ishan Kishan and Jofra Archer, thus missing quality buys like Quinton De Kock, David Warner and Yuzvendra Chahal which has now come to bite them back.

The spinning department of the Mumbai Indians which had been a point of strength over the years with the likes of Krunal Pandya and Jayant Yadav in it's ranks, has done pretty poorly this season, owing to the absence of quality spinners. Although the Rohit Sharma led side bought Murugan Ashwin and Mayank Markande in the auction, but the former hasn't been able to show any positive signs for the team, while the latter is yet to play this season.

Over dependence on Bumrah : Jasprit Bumrah has undoubtedly been the stand out bowler for the Mumbai Indians this season. But with lack of other quality bowlers alongside the 28 year old, their bowling line up has suffered to it's core costing opponents to score big against the five time champions. Thus the over dependence on Jasprit Bumrah has been an area of huge concern for them.

Not playing the full quota of foreigners : Another peculiar strategy from the Mumbai Indians this season has undoubtedly been the decision to not play the full quota of overseas cricketers over the last few matches. Playing only 2 foreigners against Royal Challengers Bangalore and then only three against Punjab Kings on Wednesday, the strategy of the most successful IPL franchise has been questionable with international stars like Riley Meridith and Fabian Allen sitting on the bench.