IPL 2019: Predicted overseas players for Mumbai Indians for their first game against Delhi Capitals

Mumbai Indians, the three-time IPL champions are all set to kick start the 2019 IPL with a clash against Delhi Captains on this Sunday. The franchise had already won the hearts of the fans when they picked Yuvraj Singh at the last minute in the 2019 IPL auction. The Mumbai- based franchise has won the IPL in every alternate year since 2015. They are one of the favourites for lifting the trophy.

Mumbai is already making some surprising changes ahead of the season. It's confirmed that Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma will open for them in all the games this season. Rohit has opened in only 19 innings for Mumbai throughout the IPL. The numbers have been very surprising, considering the success of India's vice-captain in International T20Is. However, it's the right move by the franchise.

Last season, the think tank had opted to open with Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis. However, this year along with Rohit, we could see a change in the other opening slot too. The Mumbai based franchise might go with South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock for another opening slot.

Picking the correct overseas combination is the key to winning games for any team in IPL. And so, the franchise should be wise in picking the right players. Let us see the predicted overseas players for theMumbai Indians in their opening game against Delhi Capitals.

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#1 Evin Lewis:

Evin Lewis

Mumbai might go with Evin Lewis for the opening game. The ideal candidate for the future games could be South African wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock, but he might not be available for the opener's spot as he will be on national duty for South Africa against Sri Lanka.

The West Indian opener played for the same team in the last season too. He scored over 350 runs and looked really aggressive with the bat. The opening combo of Evin Lewis and Rohit Sharma could be deadly on any given day if they get going.

Mumbai has a strong middle order with the likes Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Yuvraj Singh. Hence, getting a good start will be the key for them to pass the baton to the middle order.

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#2. Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has been an integral member of Mumbai Indians ever since he made his IPL debut. He has won many matches for them in the past season. Hence, Mumbai will back him for this season as well, considering his ample amount of experience in the shorter format. He is just 24 runs away from recording 2500 runs for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. The right hander has played 132 games for them.

He can chip in with the ball if needed. The all-rounder has taken 56 IPL wickets in his IPL career so far. In addition to this, he is the excellent fielder and has taken some stunning catches.

The 31 year old recently became the only second player after Chris Gayle to cross 9000 runs in IPL. His recent form in the PSL might not be great, but Mumbai would expect the West Indian all-rounder to pull things through in the IPL. The big man might use the big stage to come back to form.

#3 Ben Cutting

Ben Cutting

Mumbai is blessed with all-rounders such as Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya. Ben Cutting is also a part of the elite list. The Australian fast bowling all-rounder could be vital for them- both with the bat and ball.

In his last IPL game in 2018, he almost won MI the match while batting against Delhi. The tall right hander smashed 37 in 20 balls, including three massive sixes which took the Mumbai closer to the target.

He is yet to turn heads with the ball. The 32 year old had a decent run in the recently concluded Big Bash league, both with the ball and bat. Especially during his last match in the BBL, the right hander smashed 81 runs in just 30 balls, which included eight huge sixes. This helped Brisbane Heat chase down 158 runs in just 10 overs.

So it will be asurprise if Mumbai doesn't include such a potential match winner in their side.

#4. Adam Milne

Adam Milne

For the fourth spot, Mumbai has various options throughout the season. However, for the opening game, veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga and Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff might not be available as they will be playing international series. Hence, the franchise might go with the young New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne.

He played four games in the last season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, but did not live up to the expectations. However, the right arm fast bowler has been in good form for his team in New Zealand's domestic T20 league.

He might face a tough competition once Malinga and Behrendorff come back in the squad. Hence, the 26 year old has to deliver with whatever opportunity he gets in this season. Mumbai also has other options such as McClenaghan, who has a decent amount of experience in the IPL.

If the franchise gets this combination right, they could be in for winning the record fourth IPL trophy.