IPL 2019: 5 Most important players for Mumbai Indians this year

With the IPL less than a week away, the anticipation for the biggest Indian cricket festival has already started. Just like the previous years, this year's IPL will also be full of entertainment for cricket fans worldwide.

Mumbai Indians are one of the most followed teams in India and they ended last year in 5th position in the points table. This year, skipper Rohit Sharma will be looking for a better finish. Mumbai have a greatly balanced squad this year. Their opening combination may be the best this season, with Sharma and Quinton de Kock looking to give the 3-time IPL champions a solid start.

Their middle order is full of game changers and big hitters with the likes of Ben Cutting, Kieron Pollard etc. They have a plethora of all-rounders in their side which gives them tremendous balance.

Their bowling department is also stacked with match winners. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Jason Behendroff, Adam Milne etc add firepower to their pace battery. They have brilliant spinners as well, with the young Mayank Markande leading the way.

So, without further ado, here are the 5 most important players for Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL:

#5 Mayank Markande

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Mayank Markande was a revelation last year with his leg spinners bamboozling batsmen. The 21-year-old was key for Mumbai Indians last year and will continue to be this year. Leg spinners are always known as wicket takers and Markande clearly is one. The youngster has the ability to keep it tight in the middle overs and in T20 cricket, that phase is where a match is won or lost.

Markande will be looking to carry his good form on the domestic circuit in the IPL this year. The 21-year-old has a brilliant googly, one that can trick anyone. In this era of cricket, no batsman seems to be able to read wrist spinners and Markande looks like another great talent coming out of the Indian spin battery.

#4 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has been a vital cog for Mumbai Indians for years now all-round abilities are absolutely important for Rohit Sharma. Pandya can sneak in 3-4 overs every game and hard-hitting ability makes him dangerous in the slog overs. Pandya is likely to play at number 6 and may also be sometimes used to up the ante of the game.

Also, Pandya's ability in the field make him indispensable to this MI team. The all-rounder is a match winner and on any given day can win the match for his team singlehandedly. Pandya hasn't played much for India this year due to various reasons and in the IPL he would be looking to get back in form ahead of the World Cup.

#3 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya, just like his brother Hardik, is very important to MI's chances of winning the IPL this year. He can bowl 4 overs every game and he also has that hard hitting ability which comes handy in the last couple of overs. Krunal is likely to play at number 7 and act as the finisher for Mumbai Indians.

The elder Pandya is also brilliant on the field and has the ability to keep it tight in the middle overs. Krunal doesn't spin the ball much, but keeps it wicket to wicket and doesn't allow any room to the batsman. His tight overs in the middle help Markande take wickets from the other end.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been Mumbai Indians' linchpin for years now and he can also be considered as the best bowler in the world right now. His bowling in the death overs is matched by no one. With the World Cup coming, Bumrah might not play every match in the group stage, but still, he remains important to MI's chances.

Bumrah has had a terrific year in international cricket, where he has seen his stock rise as a death bowler. Jasprit is a wicket-taker and will be Rohit's go-to man in any situation. His pace can extract some bounce from the Wankhede track as it always has something for the bowlers who bend their back.

#1 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma remains integral to their chances of winning a fourth IPL this year. The 31-year-old didn't have a good time last season, but this year the captain will be looking to bounce back in style.

Rohit has had a brilliant year and a half in Indian colors and he would be looking to provide the same good starts at the top for MI. Unlike previous years, this year we might see Rohit open the batting. There is no doubt on where the Indian vice-captain should bat as Rohit can win games singlehandedly at the top.

He has been doing it for India for so many years and there is no reason to believe that he cannot do it for MI. Rohit's form is going to be vital for MI's chances of winning the IPL for the fourth time.