Mumbai Indians will be eager to get their IPL record back on track when they come out on the field against the Delhi Capitals in their opening match of the season on 24th March. The home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium will be fully behind their home team and we could expect a winning start from the three-time champions this time around.
The Mumbai Indians squad has a huge group of players to choose from. However, I have selected my probable XI for the Mumbai Indians for the opening game against the Delhi Daredevils.
Quinton de Kock
The South African wicket-keeper batsman has been a sensational limited overs batsman for South Africa over the years. The southpaw has also impressed in his limited outings in the Indian Premier League. He is a safe wicket keeper behind the stumps and is expected to be part of the Playing XI in the opening encounter.
Suryakumar Yadav
He was quite a find for the Mumbai Indians at the top of the order last season. Hence Mumbai would definitely look to start with him at top along with de Kock. Suryakumar Yadav had a sensational season for Mumbai last year and will look to continue his exploits. He is expected to open the innings in Mumbai’s opening clash.
Rohit Sharma
The Mumbai Indians has been an indispensable part of the Mumbai Indians squad and will look to lead his franchise to their 4th IPL title. He didn’t have a good season last time around when he scored just 286 runs in the tournament. However, he will look to change his own fortunes and the tea’s with his performances this year.
Yuvraj Singh
The stylish southpaw may not be at his best but his experience will surely give Mumbai Indians a huge boost in the tournament. He had an offseason for the Kings XI Punjab in the last season. He would surely like to revive his spot in the Indian squad with some star-studded performance in the IPL. He is expected to be part of the Mumbai Indians playing XI at least in tbe first few matches.
Kieron Pollard
The Windies all-rounder has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians squad ever since he has commenced his IPL career. He has only been with the Mumbai Indian sand over the years it has been like his family,. Pollard has been a champion player for the Mumbai Indians in the previous seasons. In all likelihood, he will be part of the playing XI as Mumbai Indians come out to play their first game against the Delhi Capitals.
Hardik Pandya
The Pandya brothers have been the X factor for Mumbai Indians in the championship. Hardik Pandya brings the ideal balance to the team with his exceptional abilities with both bat and the ball. He is also a terrific fielder and will be an important player for Mumbai Indians like the previous few seasons.
Krunal Pandya
The all-rounder just like his younger brother gives so much balance to the team. He is an exceptional batsman who can hit the big shots at will. On his day he can change a match on it’s head just like his brother. Krunal is also a useful left-arm spinner and will be part of Mumbai’s Playing XI in the opening clash.
Ben Cutting
The Australian all-rounder came into the Mumbai set up only in the last year and made a mark with his lusty batting. He almost took Mumbai to the playoffs with an exceptional innings against Delhi. Given his abilities with the ball, Cutting might be preferred as an overseas player in Mumbai’s first match.
Lasith Malinga
Slinga Malinga who got into the Mumbai Indians set up as a mentor last year has again switched roles and will look to lead the Mumbai pace attack. He has been the leading wicket-taker in the history of the tournament. Malinga might not be at his prime but given his variations and experience, he will surely bring a new dimension to the Mumbai attack.
Mayank Markande
The leg-spinner came into the limelight with his brilliant performances in the first few matches of the previous IPL season. He bagged 7 wickets in the first couple of matches and looked lethal. Markande bagged the prized wicket of MS Dhoni in his very first match. He bagged 4 wickets in the very next match against the Sunrisers Hyderad, However, he couldn’t quite continue the run of form and faded out as the tournament progressed. However, he is expected to be part of the Mumbai Indians playing XI.
Jasprit Bumrah
He is the No 1 bowler in ODI cricket and there is no doubt about the fact that Bumrah is surely the best bowler in the world at the moment. His deadly Yorkers and immaculate slower deliveries and cutters makes him a special weapon for any captain. He has been a sensational wicket-taker for the Mumbai Indians and will look to continue his form in the upcoming tournament.