IPL 2021: The Current Best Possible Playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI)

A core squad in focus we look at the current best possible playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) for second phase IPL 2021 in UAE.

One of the only 4 teams to have had no changes in the squad ahead of the second phase of IPL 2021 in UAE, Mumbai Indians are completely well placed in IPL 2021 so far. What’s more, the team is back to their strongest den UAE, where they made a record fifth IPL title win. 

Mumbai Indians won’t be too much worried about their performance so far in IPL 2021. Usually slow starters, MI are currently fourth on the points table with 4 wins from 7 games. This isn’t bad as they just need to continue doing what they are doing or better it to win at least 4 games from their remaining 7 matches. 

Having said that, the team still doesn’t have a confirmed playing 11. If we recall, Ishan Kishan was dropped from the squad owing to poor form, and their third overseas player wasn’t giving good returns. 2 months down the line, a lot has changed. So, what best playing 11 Mumbai Indians (MI) adopt for the second phase of IPL 2021 in UAE? Let’s find out. 

IPL 2021 UAE Final Squad for Mumbai Indians (MI): 

Batsmen: Aditya Tare (WK), Anmolpreet Singh, Chris Lynn, Ishan Kishan (WK), Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Saurabh Tiwary

All-rounders: Anukul Roy, Arjun Tendulkar, Hardik Pandya, James Neesham,  Jayant Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Marco Jensen, and Yudhvir Charak

Bowlers: Adam Milne, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohsin Khan, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Piyush Chawla, Rahul Chahar, and Trent Boult

Openers: Rohit Sharma & Quinton de Kock

Mumbai Indians will continue with their tried and tested and good performing pair of Captain Rohit Sharma and South African wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock. Both have been in decent nick with Rohit outperforming his partner so far in IPL 2021. 

Rohit is currently the leading run-scorer for Mumbai Indians with 250 runs from 7 innings at an average of 35.7. Quinton de Kock, who was the leading run-scorer for MI in IPL 2020 has had a decent tournament so far. He has scored 155 runs from 6 Innings at a strike rate of 117.

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan & Hardik Pandya

Mumbai Indians saw a bit of struggle from their most trusted middle-order so far in IPL 2021. Both Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have been woefully out of form. While Kishan managed just 73 runs from 5 knocks, Hardik was even worse with 52 runs from 6 innings. But as the saying goes, form is temporary and class is permanent. Expect them to get back to form with a bang. 

However, Suryakumar Yadav is the green light in a red middle-order tunnel for Mumbai Indians so far in IPL 2021. While not so good as Rohit Sharma or other good middle-order batsmen, Surya has still managed to score a good 173 runs at a good strike rate of 144.2. With a selection in Team India’s T20 squad, Surya would be high on confidence. 

Lower-order: Kieron Pollard & Krunal Pandya

Just like Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder Krunal Pandya too hasn’t had a good tournament so far. Having batted in all 7 matches, Krunal could only manage 100 runs. What’s more, Krunal only managed to take 3 wickets at an average of 43. 

Kieron Pollard, on the other hand, has been a performer for Mumbai Indians. He has scored a solid 168 runs at a belligerent strike rate of 171. In addition, Pollard was also called to bowled cameo overs, and he did a really good job snatching 3 wickets in just 7 overs, and giving away just 53 runs. 

Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Trent Boult & Jasprit Bumrah

Having dethroned Yuzvendra Chahal as the leading spinner for Team India, Rahul Chahar shall be high confidence. And why shouldn’t he be? Chahar has been a top performer for Mumbai Indians over the years, and is currently the leading wicket-taker for them. He has 11 wickets to his name so far from just 7 outings with the best spell of 4/27. 

While Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult continue to be the leading pacers for Mumbai Indians, the team will have their biggest headache in selecting the third pacer. They have four options in the form of Marco Jansen, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Neesham, and Adam Milne. Of the four, Adam Milne seems the best prospect. 

Adam Milne isn’t an IPL regular, but with the T20 World Cup 2021 just a month away, he would be itching to play and perform well. If IPL 2020 is anything to be seen, the express pace of Milne shall be a big asset for Mumbai Indians. If the pitch favor pace as it did in 2020, Milne shall be the go-to man for MI. 

So, that completes the best possible playing 11 for Mumbai Indians for the second phase of IPL 2021 in UAE. Overall, the team has 10 out of 11 positions fixed. The only position they need to worry about is the selection of the third pacer. 

Best Possible Playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) for Second Phase of IPL 2021 in UAE:

Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton De Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah & Trent Boult.

Nevertheless, barring the above-mentioned best predicted playing 11, Mumbai Indians (MI) can also try for the following combinations. 

• Nathan Coulter-Nile or Marco Jansen as a replacement for Adam Milne
• James Neesham for Adam Milne to boost the struggling lower-order 
• Chris Lynn at 3 and Dhawal Kulkarni or Piyush Chawla for Adam Milne to boost the batting

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) for the second leg of IPL 2021 UAE? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

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ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Player Replacements and Final Squad List for all the Teams

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