Mumbai Indians predicted XI for IPL 2021

The Mumbai Indians (MI) solidified their standing as the greatest franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year. Rohit Sharma's men lifted their 5th title with a facile victory over the Delhi Capitals in the final.

MI have made some smart acquisitions in the IPL 2021 auction, and strengthened their roster by bringing in backup options Piyush Chawla and Adam Milne. They bought Nathan Coulter-Nile back on a cheaper contract, apart from overseas all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Marco Jansen.

Youngsters Yudhvir Singh and Arjun Tendulkar also found a place in the MI squad for IPL 2021.

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MI's predicted playing XI for IPL 2021

This year's IPL is still months away, but we attempt to predict what MI's ideal playing XI will look like.

MI's squad for IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma, Aditya Tare, Anmolpreet Singh, Anukul Roy, Dhawal Kulkarni, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, Jayant Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Rahul Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav, Trent Boult, Chris Lynn, Saurabh Tiwary, Mohsin Khan, Adam Milne, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, Marco Jansen, Yudhvir Singh, James Neesham, Arjun Tendulkar

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Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk)

Quinton de Kock is expected to don the gloves for MI in IPL 2021

The opening combination is all but decided for MI. Captain Rohit Sharma and wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock are beyond ideal at the top of the order.

Rohit missed a few games due to injury last year, and didn't pile on the runs when he was fit either. But he proved his immense value to the side with his astute captaincy and a game-changing fifty in the final.

De Kock started off slowly in IPL 2020 and threw away a number of promising starts, but grew into his own midway through the tournament. He can't take his place in the XI for granted, as Ishan Kishan can don the gloves and Chris Lynn is breathing down his neck from the bench.

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Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has been a part of each MI title triumph

Hopefully, by the time IPL 2021 rolls around, Suryakumar Yadav will not be an uncapped player. But as of now, Yadav and Ishan Kishan are two players who've never played for India but make up the backbone of the MI middle order.

Both Yadav and Kishan were among the standout players in IPL 2020. While the Jharkhand southpaw smashed over 500 runs in the tournament, Yadav won the team a few games single-handedly. Kishan even scored a 94-ball 173 in the first game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy today, and is all set to showcase his talent to the world once again.

Kieron Pollard doesn't bowl enough to be considered an all-rounder anymore, and if Hardik Pandya is fit, he shouldn't be required anyway. The big West Indian slots in at No. 5 in this predicted XI, but his batting position is highly flexible.

Pollard has been a part of all 5 MI title wins, and he's only getting better with age. As the vice-captain of the team, he will also be responsible for helping captain Rohit Sharma with his decision-making.

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All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile

Hardik Pandya has started bowling again

The Pandya brothers will resume business as usual lower down the order, with their big-hitting abilities and more-than-handy bowling.

While Hardik didn't bowl last season as he was recovering from a back injury, Krunal was fairly economical in conditions that didn't suit him very well. Hardik will look to contribute with the ball in IPL 2021, and his brother in the other department.

MI are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the final all-rounder. James Neesham will add great depth to the batting lineup, and his bowling should be enough if Hardik attains full fitness. Marco Jansen, an exciting all-rounder from South Africa, is another left-field option.

But to be on the safer side, MI will probably go with Nathan Coulter-Nile, who played for them last season. The Aussie wasn't at his fittest in the UAE, but he would've had enough match practice by the time IPL 2021 rolls around.

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Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

Rahul Chahar has competition from the experienced Piyush Chawla

Rahul Chahar started off IPL 2020 well, but his form tapered off towards the end of the campaign and he was dropped in favour of Jayant Yadav. MI have signed veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, while Anukul Roy is doing exceptionally well in the domestic circuit.

But Chahar should hold on to his place in the side. Chawla was poor last year for the Chennai Super Kings, and barring a few bad games, Chahar was been a consistent performer.

Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult compete the MI playing XI for IPL 2021. Both pacers were amongst the leading wicket-takers in the team's fifth title win, and they'll want to replicate the same performances in home conditions. Adam Milne will be the backup for Boult.

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MI's predicted playing XI for IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult