IPL 2020 Special: Predicted Playing 11 of Mumbai Indians (MI)

With a stellar line-up, Mumbai Indians(MI) are all set to defend their title as we look at their predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020.

Barring Chennai Super Kings in 2011, no other team in the 12-year long history of IPL has successfully defended the IPL Championship. However, come 2020, Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians look all stocked up to achieve this feat and in turn, clinch trophy No.5.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians had a decent day at the IPL 2020 Auction. While the team picked up Aussie opener Chris Lynn at a bargain price of INR 200L, Nathan Coulter-Nile was the costliest purchase for the franchise at INR 800L.

The men in blue-and-gold also beefed up their middle-order with the signing of Saurabh Tiwari, who is an old-timer for the franchise. On top, MI then added resources to their all-rounders unit in the form of Balwant Singh and Digvijay Deshmukh.

However, regardless of the picks made at the auction, MI anyway possessed a potent squad with their retained list of players. The latest picks have only added teeth to the squad’s depth and skill-sets. 

Fixed 8: 

Coming to the playing 11, the players that would definitely make the playing 11 regardless of playing conditions are Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. 

The addition of Lynn to the squad spices up things at the top-order for Mumbai Indians. On the flat and bouncy wicket of Wankhede, Lynn can be a dangerous option. If QDK does not feature, Lynn’s attacking instincts can help Rohit settle down, and execute fireworks later on.

However, If they play only Lynn at the top then, Mumbai Indians would have to look at Ishan Kishan as the wicket-keeper. But, if they play both, then Kishan can be left out, but that would affect the bowling line-up.

Anyway, what options and possibilities can MI look at when it comes to a proper playing 11. 

Option 1: Both, Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn Play

If Mumbai Indians play Quinton de Kock and Chris Lynn together then their top-3 could possibly be the best in the tournament. But, that would mean playing Chris Lynn at 3 considering Rohit is best-suited opening. 

Also, with Trent Boult and Kieron Pollard filling up the other two all-rounder options, Lasith Malinga would have to, unfortunately, sit out of the playing 11. Dhawal Kulkarni would then play as the third pacer for Mumbai Indians. 

Here’s how the playing 11 would look if Chris Lynn and Quinton de Kock, both play. 

Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Dhawal Kulkarni.

Option 2: Chris Lynn ahead of Quinton de Kock

With Chris Lynn being purchased for a surprising price or INR 200L, Mumbai Indians can actually look to play him as the second opener alongside Rohit Sharma. In that case, Mumbai Indians would have to leave out their 2019’s best player, Quinton de Lock. 

Ishan Kishan would have to fulfill the wicket-keeping duties for Mumbai Indians, and he will then bat at number 4. While this is a good ploy, leaving out their 2019’s best batsman is a gamble. 

Here’s Mumbai Indians’ predicted 11 with Chris Lynn as the second opener:

Rohit Sharma (C), Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga. 

Strongest XI: 

Overall, Mumbai Indians are most likely to field Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, and Lasith Malinga as their 4 overseas players; initially at least. This would also be their strongest playing 11 with Ishan Kishan at 4, floaters Hardik, Krunal or Pollard to follow. 

Mumbai Indians (MI) strongest predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020:

Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga.

So, that’s how Mumbai Indians (MI) stand when it comes to their predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020. What changes you would have made to the playing 11? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com

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