Repeat on Mumbai's minds
Please note: This is just the summary of the original article published on espncricinfo.com.
The defending champions find themselves in a state far different from the one they left the tournament in last year.
For a franchise considered to be the richest among the IPL teams, with plenty of star value, they finished a disappointing fourth in the 2012 IPL.
Equipped with plenty of firepower in the batting, and the services of Lasith Malinga with the ball, Mumbai offer lots of entertainment value.
And unlike last year, when an injured Sachin Tendulkar watched his team's games from the sidelines, with adequate television time reserved exclusively for his reactions to compensate for his absence from the XI, his fans will be able to see him take the field this time.
How they qualified
Thanks to a change in qualification rules. The change was made in July this year, allowing the fourth IPL team - in this case, Mumbai Indians - a direct entry in the main competition. Kolkata Knight Riders, who had finished fourth in the fourth edition of the IPL, had to compete in a qualification round in the Champions League last year.
Key Player
Apart from the obvious Tendulkar and Malinga, Kieron Pollard has been a key player for Mumbai. Munaf Patel was expensive in the IPL but picked up 15 wickets at 24.46 in 12 games. He isn't the swiftest mover in the field but can bowl tight and vary his pace well.
Surprise package
Mitchell Johnson missed the whole of the 2012 IPL due to a toe injury he picked up in South Africa last year. He made his return to international cricket in July this year and last played in August-September against Pakistan in the UAE. Though he was outshone by the other Mitchell, Starc, he was economical and picked up four wickets in three games.
Weakness
Mumbai had issues with their opening combination during the IPL this year - they tried as many as eight. It'll be interesting to see who opens with Tendulkar. They have the choice of playing Richard Levi, but he's struggling, or Dwayne Smith, who gives an additional bowling option. The tinkering was not confined to the top, and the lack of a settled line-up was one of Mumbai's big problems in the recent IPL.