IPL Auction 2020: 3 players who can replace Evin Lewis at Mumbai Indians

The four-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians were once again in the news after they decided to let go of their flamboyant opener, Evin Lewis.

The West Indian, who was a regular feature for Mumbai in his debut season in 2018, couldn't break into the side on more than three occasions in 2019. Despite being bought for a decent auction price of INR 3.8 Cr in 2018, Lewis had to warm the bench for most of the IPL in 2019.

He and Quinton de Kock competed for the same opening slot as de Kock's inspiring run at the top forced Lewis to stay out of the playing XI.

His inconsistency in 2019 even for the Caribbean team in the limited-overs format might have been a major factor for MI releasing the swashbuckling opener ahead of the auction next month.

With his departure, Mumbai might feel the requirement to include a back-up opener in the side to ensure that all based are covered heading into the tournament. As a result, the Indians might consider bidding for a specialist opener in the auction in Kolkata.

Here's a look at 3 openers who can replace Evin Lewis at Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020:

Also see - India Bangladesh schedule

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#3 Jason Roy

Roy's experience at the top might help Mumbai

One of the better openers in world cricket, especially in the white-ball format, Jason Roy is one of the first names which appears for this role. After missing IPL 2019, Roy will make a return to the IPL in the 13th edition.

The English opening batsman forms one of the most devastating opening combinations, along with his partner Jonny Bairstow, in international cricket. Roy, who usually enjoys his time against the white-ball, is one of the major reasons why England were crowned world champions at Lord's this year.

His ability to go after the bowlers at will makes him a sound option at the top. Roy's attacking and instinctive approach complement each other well, making him a much sought-after opener.

After Lewis' departure, Roy can easily take over the opening duties at the top of the order for Mumbai. He can even be the first-choice opener ahead of de Kock at some stage of the tournament.

#2 Tom Banton

Banton is known for his unusual but effective shots

The 21-year-old from Somerset is already being touted as the next big thing in English cricket. Tom Banton, who made his international debut in the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand, grabbed all the eyeballs despite not scoring too many runs in the series.

Banton, who's already believed to be in talks with a couple of IPL franchises for a possible inclusion ahead of the next year's IPL, might well be the perfect backup for Mumbai's opening duo of de Kock and Rohit Sharma.

The wicket-keeper batsman, who has earned a name for himself in the T20 Blast playing for Somerset, showed a glimpse of his abilities and what he brings to the table, especially in T20s. In T20 Blast 2019, the youngster plundered 549 runs in merely 13 innings at an unbelievable strike rate of 161.47. His innovative strokeplay is reminiscent of some of the best shots which were mastered by Kevin Pietersen during his heydays.

It is highly probable that Banton might get his maiden opportunity in the IPL, and that too with the most successful franchise, as an opener in the playing XI.

#1 Brandon King

King in the CPL for Guyana Amazon Warriors

The 24-year-old Jamaican cricketer has rightly earned all the accolades for his stupendous show in Caribbean Premier League 2019.

Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors, Brandon King was the highest run-getter in the entire tournament. With an aggregate of 496 runs, the right-handed batsman was highly impressive in shouldering his team's responsibility in guiding them to the final of the competition.

King, being the opener for Guyana, scored runs at a menacing strike rate nearing 150. His consistency throughout the tournament was his standout quality in the tournament. However, his efforts weren't just enough to guide his side to a CPL title in 2019.

He might have failed to cross the final hurdle, but his efforts might not go in vain as this opens up opportunities in various T20 leagues for the youngster. King might just be the perfect choice to support either Rohit Sharma or Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.