IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians players who are most likely to feature in the playing XI

With IPL 2019 just a month away, the teams would have formulated specific strategies which they would be using when they take the field. Every team looks really strong this year, and all the players would be raring to pounce on any opportunity to make a mark in the biggest T20 league of the world.

The teams might have also shortlisted the players who will be lucky to don the jerseys on the field. On that note, here is a look at 10 players from the Mumbai Indians squad who are almost certain to take the field in every match this season.

The Pandya brothers are a vital cog in the MI setup

First of all, let's list down all the players who are undroppable. These names include the likes of Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, apart from the regulars like the skipper Rohit Sharma, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

So now we know the first seven players who will likely be picking themselves when the management is selecting the team before the first match.

The other three slots are a bit tricky. With veterans like Yuvraj Singh and Lasith Malinga in the squad, the odds are fairly high that both these players will be seen in the side more than once or twice. That said, they don't come anywhere near the top 10 when the stats and performances of the recent past are taken into account.

Quinton de Kock is one man who is doing well for South Africa right now, and he might get a nod. He is a young keeper-bastman who has a very attacking style of play, and would be useful at the top of the order.

Jason Behrendorff might be making his IPL debut this year

Also, Mayank Markande is likely to be the second spinner in the team apart from Krunal. His recent performances have been very good, and he also did very well for Mumbai Indians last year.

That leaves us with just one name. The remaining players who could be picked carry some familiar names like Evin Lewis, Adam Milne, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell McCleneghan and Ben Cutting.

Not all of these have played international cricket in the recent past. However, Behrendorff had a pretty good series against India at the start of this year, so he might be the 10th man in the Mumbai side. Also, Lewis is an explosive player who got the team off to a few good starts last year, so he is likely to be picked as well.

So here is the list of the top 11 players from Mumbai Indians in contention for a starting spot:

Evin Lewis, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mayanak Markande, Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff.