IPL 2019: Ideal Playing XI for Mumbai Indians

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League - IPL 2019 - is set to commence this weekend. IPL heavyweights RCB and CSK are going to play in the inaugural match of this season at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

With the prestigious 50-over World Cup scheduled to take place following the culmination of the IPL, many international players are set to take rest or miss half of the season. This means that the franchises will have to cope without some of the international stalwarts for the majority of the second half of the season.

Unlike other franchises, it does not look like Mumbai Indians will be affected drastically by the departure of their international stars. They have a strong Indian contingent along with a couple of West Indies and New Zealand players who will be available to play for the whole season.

Since the inception of IPL, Mumbai Indians have been one of the most successful teams in the league as they have won the trophy on three occasions (2013, 2015, 2017) so far. Their skipper Rohit Sharma is among the leading run scorers in the history of IPL too.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the ideal team combination for Mumbai Indians this season.

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Openers - Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock (wk)

Two of the best openers in the world right now

Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis were entrusted to open the innings for the majority of matches during the last season of IPL. Yadav utilized the opportunity and finished the season as the top scorer for MI, while Lewis played a couple of good cameos but struggled with consistency.

Rohit batted in the middle order during the last season in order to support the inexperienced middle order. But with the inclusion of the experienced Yuvraj Singh this year in the middle order, Rohit will return to his favorite opening position.

It will be a bit disappointing for Yadav to vacate the opening position after such a fruitful season last year, but it is what it is.

De Kock will in all probability open the innings along with Rohit. If the South African leaves the tournament midway due to international commitments, Lewis might be roped in as his replacement in the playing XI.

Middle order - Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya

Yuvraj Singh's inclusion will add experience to the Mumbai Indians middle order

Ishan Kishan might miss out on the playing XI for the initial matches as MI might go in with Yadav and Yuvraj Singh in the middle order.

The trio of renowned T20 all-rounders - Kieron Pollard, Krunal and Hardik Pandya - round off the batting line-up of the Mumbai Indians.

MI's line-up is one of the most destructive ones on paper. Yadav is expected to anchor the innings this season, playing around the remaining attacking players.

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Bowlers - Adam Milne, Lasith Malinga, Mayank Markande and Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah having a moment with Malinga during a practice session

India's frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the bowling attack of the Mumbai Indians this season. Veteran Sri Lankan and IPL legend Lasith Malinga, along with Kiwi pacer Adam Milne, are expected to be the other pacers in the XI.

Mayank Markande will be the specialist spinner in the team. Hardik and Krunal Pandya are expected to be the fifth and sixth bowling options respectively.

Ideal playing XI - Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Adam Milne, Lasith Malinga, Mayank Markande and Jasprit Bumrah