3 players that Mumbai Indians should retain for IPL 2018

BCCI recently quashed all rumours circulating around the retention policy and stated that it will continue in the upcoming season since that is what most of the franchises have opted for. However, the final decision on the number of players to be retained by each team (either three or five) will be taken at a meeting with the franchise owners on 21 November 2017.

The defending champions, the Mumbai Indians, have developed a well-settled side that they would prefer to keep intact and build a strong team around.

Here are the three players that the Mumbai Indians should absolutely retain for the 2018 season.

#1 Rohit Sharma

The stalwart of the MI batting line-up

The Mumbai Indians will not willingly let go of the man who led the team to three IPL titles.

Rohit Sharma's leadership in 2013 gave the Mumbai Indians its first IPL title, and he has made the team a force to reckon with since then.

He has also been the leading run scorer for the team, hitting the 3,000-runs mark in the last season. His 2017 IPL run was admittedly mediocre, but the team should nonetheless consider him as its first pick for retention.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah

MI's death bowler specialist

Jasprit Bumrah is easily the Mumbai Indians' best gift to the Indian team.

Bumrah made his IPL debut in 2013 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His first wicket, Virat Kohli, grabbed the instant attention of cricket fans across the country.

Bumrah's improvement has been significant in the years since. With the decline of Lasith Malinga, Bumrah would be the perfect death bowler for the Mumbai Indians, and the management should ensure that they retain him.

#3 Hardik Pandya

MI's all-round strength

Hardik Pandya should be an obvious pick for the Mumbai Indians - even though there have been speculations about his keenness to be part of the auction pool, that would result in a big blow for the team as it would be hard to get a player of his stature back via auction.

Hardik has been in an amazing form this year and has proven himself in the international arena over and over. His presence in the Mumbai Indians line-up would be a great boost to the team in all three departments. His hard-hitting ability, handy medium pace, and terrific fielding make him an all-rounder par excellence and, if the opportunity to retain him presents itself, the Mumbai Indians should not pass it up.