5 players who could replace JP Duminy for Mumbai Indians

With all the eight teams confirming their list of the retentions, the twelfth edition on the IPL will be witnessing many players don new colours. Going into the IPL Auction 2019, Mumbai Indians released as many as 10 players from its roster, which is set to have a newer outlook.

The list of the ousted players consists of some renowned names, including the likes of Pat Cummins, Mustafizur Rahman, and Saurabh Tiwary. South African all-rounder, JP Duminy, too, has been left out by the three-time champions, who would be looking to bolster their core with valuable additions in the upcoming auction.

Duminy, who bought by Mumbai Indians for his base price (1 crore) in 2018, took the field on six occasions in the tournament. With plenty of experience behind him, the 34-year-old was expected to be a bankable middle order option for Mumbai. The southpaw, however, put forth a dismal show and ended up scoring just 36 runs for the men in blue.

Now with the berth of a solid middle/lower-order batsman up for grabs, Mumbai Indians would be looking at suitable replacements, who can propel the batting order.

Here are 5 options who could prove to be the ideal replacement for him.

#5 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh might just prove to be the dark horse in IPL 2019

Someone who has been following Yuvraj Singh closely for the past many years would know one thing for sure- each time he's down, there's always a roaring comeback that's lurking around the corner.

With KXIP releasing him, Yuvraj Singh would once again go under the hammer, for IPL 2019. While the odds would certainly be against him in the upcoming auction, the man from Punjab will be determined to make a strong statement if he's picked by any franchise.

Apart from striking good form in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018, the 36-year-old has also been posting his videos of his training regime on social media, signalling his peaking fitness.

Given that Mumbai Indians can purchase six Indian players, as compared to just one overseas player, Yuvraj Singh may fall into the franchise's radar searching as they look to add an experienced middle-order batsman to its ranks.

#4 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell had a poor run with Delhi Daredevils in 2018

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell couldn't quite live up to the expectations at the Delhi Daredevils camp this year, and subsequently, has been released by the franchise for the next edition of the IPL.

As a flamboyant batsman, who can turn the game on its head with his gifted strokeplay, Maxwell is always seen as a powerful asset in any T20 team. In fact, fans continue to have fond memories of his dream run in IPL 2014, where he proved to be one of KXIP's main reasons for reaching the final.

While inconsistency has always pestered the Victorian's career, he continues to be a worthy bet in the cash-rich league. Maxwell could prove to be a good fit into Mumbai Indians' middle order, and can even chip in with a few handy overs with the ball if the need arises.

#3 Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch would be a solid option as a middle-order batsman

While Aaron Finch is predominantly an opening batsman, the recent past has also seen him take the avatar of a responsible middle-order batsman, serving the team's requirement. Also, the recent Test series against Pakistan witnessed the 31-year-old make a claim as a solid middle-order batter.

IPL has seen him flourish at different positions in the batting order. From being a quality top-order batsman for Sunrisers Hyderabad to prospering as a consistent middle-order showman for Gujarat Lions, Finchy, as he's known among his teammates, has a certified history in the tournament.

Being ousted by KXIP for a relatively poor show in 2018, Finch is once again likely to take the field for a new franchise, thereby continuing his long saga of shifting bases each year. Now, in JP Duminy's absence, the Australian pinch-hitter would definitely qualify as a considerable option to add solidity to the middle-order of Mumbai Indians.

#2 Shimron Hetmyer

Hetmyer is sure to attract a few suitors in the Auction

Shimron Hetmyer would undoubtedly be one of the hottest properties going on sale in the IPL auction. While the CPL 2018 saw him turn heads, the recently concluded ODI series between India and West Indies proved to be the breeding ground for his astonishing heroics with the bat in hand.

With 440 runs in 12 games, Hetmyer was the third leading run-scorer in the CPL 2018. Apart from boasting of a strike rate of 148.14, the youngster's tournament also consisted of a blistering century and a galore of brutal strokeplay.

Oozing the typical Caribbean flair and equipped with the firepower to hit monstrous sixes, the 21-year-old would certainly be drawing fancy bets in the auction and it wouldn't be a surprise if the Mumbai Indians go all guns blazing on acquiring this fledgeling talent from Guyana.

#1 Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh stands as one of the best-performing Australians in the IPL

Unsold in the last edition, Shaun Marsh is likely to be among the thick of things at the IPL auction in 2019.

Flaunting consistency throughout his stint with Kings XI Punjab, the man from Western Australia has been remarkably consistent over the years and can be counted as one of the most reliable players in the tournament's history. From winning the Orange Cap in 2008 to possessing one of the best batting averages, Marsh holds plenty of milestones to his name.

With the likes of Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers among its batting contingent, Mumbai Indians might be looking to throw in an experienced middle-order candidate, who could hold the innings together while the big-hitters float around - just the role that Shaun Marsh specialises in.