The defending champions, MI New York, faced an early exit from MLC 2024 after a series of lacklustre performances. Despite barely scraping into the playoffs, the team struggled throughout the tournament. Key players like Nicholas Pooran and Trent Boult, who were standout performers last season, could not consistently replicate their success this year, exposing weaknesses in the team's domestic lineup.
MI New York attempted to 'empower' their domestic players by regularly placing them in the top three batting positions. However, this strategy lacked consistency, with the team experimenting with five different opening partnerships in just seven games. Players like Ruben Clinton, Steven Taylor, and Shayan Jahangir failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Clinton, a first draft pick this year, managed less than 50 runs across five innings, while Jahangir, who had shown promise last season, averaged below 10 in four innings. Taylor, the team's first-ever draft pick, also struggled, scoring only 18 runs in two innings this season.
Coach Robin Peterson acknowledged the team's overall inconsistency, including the international players, noting that they failed to showcase a complete performance in any game. He expressed disappointment that the team couldn't even reach the final, despite showing glimpses of potential.
Monank Patel, the USA captain, had a mixed season. Coming off a shoulder injury, he was quickly moved from the opening position after a couple of poor performances. While he did manage his first half-century in the MLC against the Texas Super Kings, his overall contribution remained inconsistent, with a notable innings of 48 off 41 against the same team later in the tournament.
Peterson highlighted Monank's adaptability, suggesting that his skills and experience were better utilised in the middle order, a position where he has scored his two MLC half-centuries.
Pooran largely held the MINY batting together with fiery cameos. However, he couldn't replicate his form from the previous season, managing just one half-century in seven innings. The Trinidadian concluded the tournament with a strike rate of 98, at total dissonance with his role in the side.
Brevis' 85 runs in 4 innings at the top of the order was a far cry from the franchise's expectations, especially in his third year with MI New York.
Reflecting on the season, Peterson expressed disappointment but also recognised the valuable lessons learned over the past two years. He emphasised the need to return stronger next year, acknowledging the unforgiving nature of the tournament, where there is little room for error.