IPL 2018: How Rohit Sharma's blue brigade could line up in their tournament opener

The most successful team in the IPL, the defending champions enter the tournament as one of the favourites. Mumbai Indians managed to keep their core intact by retaining Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, yet, they will miss the services of two of their star players, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga.

One of the things that can be attributed to Mumbai Indians' past success is the contributions from the youngsters. Many young players including the likes of Bumrah, Pandya, Ambati Rayudu, Krunal Pandya, Saurabh Tiwary and Nitish Rana had stepped up for the side during the times of need.

Mumbai Indians would be expecting their young brigade to perform well and support the big guns this time around as well. Now, let's have a look at Mumbai Indians' predicted XI for IPL 2018:

Openers (Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan)

The IPL debutant, Evin Lewis, has turned a few eyes with his recent performances playing for the Windies. He is a destructive top-order batsman and already has two T20 international centuries in just 14 matches. Mumbai will be hoping that he gets going, as everyone is well-aware of what the Windies players are capable of.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan had a decent IPL last season but, he is capable of much more. He has a great domestic record as captain for Jharkhand. The keeper-batsman is likely to be given a chance ahead of Aditya Tare and will have to prove his mettle to secure his place in the side.

Middle order (Rohit Sharma and JP Duminy)

Rohit Sharma

As much as we would like to see Rohit Sharma open the batting for Mumbai, I don't see him doing it this time either. Rohit would want to control the game and number three would be an ideal position for him to bat. A superstar in his own sense, Rohit is a vital cog in this batting order, yet, the batting cannot be said to be heavily dependent on him, as witnessed on numerous occasions. Rohit has been in good touch for the last couple of years and would be eager to lead the side again.

JP Duminy

JP Duminy is one of those handy utility players. He can bat in the middle order, give you some handy overs, and is a livewire in the field. Duminy is considered one of the better players of spin, and, much to the delight of the Mumbai Indians, does look to have found his form recently. Duminy brings added experience to the middle order, which would allow Rohit to play more freely.

All-rounders (Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya)

Krunal Pandya

The elder of the Pandya brothers, Krunal Pandya was one of the heroes in Mumbai Indians' triumph last year. Mumbai Indians really bent their back in the auctions this year to get him aboard. They will be expecting a similar performance from the southpaw with the bat. Krunal will also have to bear an added responsibility in the spin department, which looks a bit vulnerable, with the lack of an experienced front-line spinner.

Kieron Pollard

Much of Mumbai Indians' past success can be attributed to this man. Kieron Pollard will be asked to do what he does best, finish the games. He has done it on numerous occasions in the past and, hopefully, will continue doing so. Although he can bowl decent medium pace, with the kind of bowling options Mumbai Indians have, he would rarely get a chance to stretch his arm.

Hardik Pandya

One of the many exciting finds of the IPL, Hardik Pandya has finally ended India's search for a fine seam bowling all-rounder. Rohit Sharma has shown immense faith in Pandya, and, he has, more often than not, stepped up to the challenge. Keeping his recent form slump aside, Pandya will have to give the team that assault in the final overs which he is known for.

Bowlers (Mustafizur Rahman, Pradeep Sangwan, Rahul Chahar and Jasprit Bumrah)

Mustafizur Rahman

Pat Cummins is coming off a fantastic season with the ball, but, I think, Mustafizur is a more effective limited overs bowler, courtesy his deceptive, toe-crushing yorkers. Considering the weakness of the subcontinent batsmen against left-arm swing bowling, he can prove to be very effective with the new ball. He, along with Bumrah will form a formidable pair in the death overs as well.

Pradeep Sangwan

The talented southpaw has been around for quite a while now. He has not been consistent enough in the previous editions and will have to perform well to keep a place in the XI.

Rahul Chahar

The young leg-spinner will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders, as the team looks a bit short on good spin options. The youngster has impressed in the domestic circuit and has the ability to rise to the big occasions. The role of a leg-spinner remains crucial in the shortest format of the game, so all eyes will be on the teenager.

Jaspreet Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational in the last couple of years, which can be witnessed by his exponential rise from the IPL to the Indian Test side. Mumbai Indians have found a perfect successor to their previous spearhead, Malinga. Bumrah will lead the bowling attack and would be hoping to continue his dream run.