Mumbai Indians the elusive

         

       Clearly there is a strategy in place. Mumbai want to finally win the IPL and the changes made in the off-season point to a shift in thinking. In Ponting, Tendulkar, Kumble and Wright the franchise has four individuals with immense on and off-field tactical nous, aside from the obvious skill that Tendulkar and Ponting bring with the bat. Kumble is India's highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs and has been associated with the IPL as player and later in a similar mentorship role with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Wright, 58, brings to the table the experience of 82 Tests and 149 ODIs as a batsman, as well as coaching experience having overseen India from 2000 to 2005 and New Zealand from 2010 to 2012.Ponting, back in the IPL after four years and in outstanding first-class form following his international retirement, could be the fillip that Mumbai need. A lack of killer instinct has been a problem for Mumbai in the past, but the arrival of Ponting could change that. Tendulkar, relieved of the captaincy and potentially looking at a proven performer at the other end when he opens for Mumbai, could turn in the defining season of his IPL career. How Maxwell performs is also a major aspect of Mumbai's progress to follow in 2013. And if the likes of Coulter-Nile get playing time, Mumbai's bowling attack will be even stronger.  There is no shortage of knowledge and tact in Kumble and Wright.Wright played a big role in shaping India from a team of contenders overseas to winners overseas. He may be new to the IPL but his reading of the game is outstanding. Wright fits Mumbai's apparent need - to take a superbly talented team of cricketers and instruct, lead and guide them to a winning formula consistently. How Wright works with the franchise's domestic pool talent could also prove crucial, considering his extracting of talent with lesser-known India players when he coached the national team. Kumble comes on board in a big role and how he functions with Tendulkar and Ponting will be interesting to see. If the trio clicks, and Wright manages to oversee their relationship with his inputs, Mumbai have a quarter that is capable of transforming the team. Add in Robin Singh and Jonty Rhodes and their weight of knowledge and IPL experience, and Mumbai have the greatest support staff in the league.