IPL 2015: Predicted Mumbai Indians XI

They are fearless, they can crush any teams hope at the very last moment, and nothing is impossible for them. Yes, we are talking about Mumbai Indians (MI), and their past Indian Premier League (IPL) outings have proven all of that.There are four days to go for theIPL T20 championships eighth edition to begin, and MI lookall pumped up. The blue army had trouble in their initial seasons, but once their rise started they became a formidable side, learning from their mistakes and tightening up their weakneses.They were rewarded for their efforts in 2013 with the trophy in the sixth season of the tournament.The Mumbai Indians were driven by Sachin Tendulkars sheer class, and now they have him as a mentor in their roster, so thatfactor still remains. The most successful Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, has been announced as the new head coach for the upcoming season and he has straight away drawn the lines by saying that hell be strict as a coach the same way he was as captain.Here, based on the past and current form of the players, we put forward the likely XIthat will try to bringback the IPL trophy home for the Mumbai Indians.

#1 Aaron Finch

Australia’s Aaron Finch is one of the world's best top order batsmen, known for his flamboyant and fearless stroke play. Contrary to his image of being a hard hitting batsman though, he showed us his calm and mature side during the recent World Cup. With a T20 batting strike rate above 133, this devastating top order batsman is a huge asset to any team and knowing this, Mumbai Indians will be pleased to have him on their side.

The Victorian has a perfect balance of experience and youth which can add a lot to Mumbai Indians’ campaign this season.

Back-up: Lendl Simmons

#2 Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel, the RCB import, is not only an explosive batsman but also one of the best wicket-keepers in the IPL. His addition to the team will be a huge plus point for the Mumbai Indians. Good things come in small packets and Parthiv Patel truly epitomises that.

His quick scoring can give his new team the confidence to build or chase a competitive score.

Back-up: Aditya Tare

#3 Rohit Sharma

Skipper Rohit Sharma is the second highest run-getter (2,903) in IPL’s history after Chennai Super Kings’ Suresh Raina. There’s no doubt that he is a match winner and can change the game on his day.

The Mumbaikar knows how important a dynamic start is to create and build a free platform for his destructive middle order batsmen, and that is what he might concentrate the most on. Mumbai Indians take their game a notch higher while playing at home and Rohit knows how to take advantage of that.

#4 Corey Anderson

Corey Anderson was the hero of Mumbai Indians last IPL season. His memorable innings against Rajasthan Royals, when he blasted 95 runs off a mere 44 balls to help Mumbai qualify for the knock-outs is itched in the memories of all IPL lovers.

He will be the player to look out for in the Mumbai Indians’ squad. The 24-year-old can be equally good with the ball with his medium pace deliveries scathing through the opposition’s middle order.

#5 Unmukt Chand

Unmukt Chand was one of the players bought during the first trading window of IPL 2015. Mumbai Indians were spot on in adding him to their cart as they know the value of this emerging player.

He didn’t get many chances in the previous season to prove his mettle; he played only once for Rajasthan Royals. The 22-year-old hasn’t made an impression in the IPL so far but Mumbai might give him an opportunity to open up. And with the likes of Kieron Pollard and other experienced players around him, he will look forward to capitalise on this chance.

Back-up: Siddhesh Lad

#6 Ambati Rayadu

Ambati Rayadu is one of the most consistent batsmen in recent times in the IPL. He has made 1710 runs in the 81 matches he has played. Since the beginning of his IPL career, this Hyderabadi batsman has been playing for Mumbai Indians.

An occasional wicket-keeper, Rayudu is a spirited and energetic player and his ability to bat in any position makes him really important to the team.

#7 Kieron Pollard

The ultimate T20 player, Kieron Pollard is a batsman, bowler and superb fielder. His all-round abilities are always an advantage to his side. And after the addition of Corey Anderson in the team that already contained Pollard, the Mumbai Indians’ middle order has become doubly power packed.

The West Indian is a true match winner for Mumbai as he can smash almost every bowler in the world from the first ball he faces. He is a believer of no mercy when in a position to attack. The 26-year-old has played more 20 overs cricket (266 matches) than any other format and carries ample experience to ruin the opposition team’s party.

#8 Harbhajan Singh

The turbanator Harbhajan Singh is still relatively young, and continues to come up with splendid bowling spells in T20 cricket. He has shown that he can be explosive with the bat as well when needed. This 33-year-old veteran bowler can be a death over specialist with his cunning off, doosra and cutter deliveries troubling the batsmen.

His experience adds plenty of value to the team which has been on a roller-coaster ride since the first season and he will want to make this season again a memorable one, like the one he had in 2013 where Mumbai won both the IPL and Champions League T20 back-to-back.

Back-up: Pragyan Ojha, Akshay Wakhare and Jagadeesha Suchith

#9 Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal made his mark early in domestic cricket. He is a specialist leg spinner and can bat lower down the order very well. Gopal played a crucial role in Karnataka’s victory in Ranji and Irani Trophy this year and was praised by many for his prodigious leg-spin. With Harbhajan’s off spin from one end and Shreyas’ leg spin from the other, the batsmen might have to change tactics a lot, which might cost them their wickets.

The Bengaluru boy has only played four matches previously in the IPL, picking 6 wickets with a best of 2 for 25. He has bettered his game a lot since then and will be looking to perform well this season.

Back-up: Nitish Rana, Hardik Pandya

#10 R Vinay Kumar

The accuracy that R Vinay Kumar possesses in his bowling is lethal. He has had back-to-back first class wins in which he led Karnataka to victory by leading from the front. He is a key member of Karnataka’s pace bowling attack and will be itching to prove the same for Mumbai Indians.

His all-round show in domestic cricket will come in handy if he manages to replicate the same in the IPL’s tight matches.

Back-up: Abhimanyu Mithun, Jasprit Bumrah and Pawan Suyal

#11 Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga’s stats speak for themselves; he is the leading wicket taker in the IPL. A special round-arm action bowler, he has 119 wickets to his account from just 83 matches. Being a specialist death overs bowler, his deadly toe-crushing yorkers make him even more dangerous.

This 31-year-old Sri Lankan bowler is an important member of the Mumbai Indians’ squad and Rohit Sharma definitely knows his value. Malinga is a match winning bowler when in form as he alone is enough to uproot any unit’s batting line up.

Back-up: Josh Hazlewood, Marchant de Lange and Mitchell McClenaghan