mobile app bar

Mumbai Indians’ probable XI against CSK

Siddharth Nair
Published

MI vs CSK

We are finally here, as the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League will commence tonight, when defending champions Mumbai Indians will host the returning Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the tournament.

While there is no doubt it will be an emotional moment for CSK, MI should be careful to not get carried away by the emotion of the night, and instead focus on getting their season off to a winning start.

So here we look at the probable XI for Mumbai Indians tonight!

OPENERS

Evin Lewis

One of the most exciting young players in world cricket right now, Lewis is expected to be one of the biggest stars of this season’s IPL. West Indians have always had a great relationship with this competition, which is why Lewis will be one to watch out for this year.

Rohit Sharma (captain)

While the MI skipper often brings himself down the order to provide stability in the middle, Rohit should return to his best position at the top of the order. With a solid middle order in place this year, Rohit will be looking to control the innings from the top of the order.

MIDDLE ORDER

Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper)

The young wicket-keeper will get a great opportunity at MI this year, as the Mumbai franchise famously gives a run out for youngsters. A great season this year could see Ishan get called up to the national team, which is all the more reason for the youngster to do well.

Hardik Pandya

There is no doubt that Pandya will be expected to contribute far more greatly as a batsman this year, as the Indian star has already shown promise with the bat against the likes of Australia and South Africa in the past year.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal is an interesting player in the Indian circuit, as he always comes up trumps in the IPL only to vanish for the next year. Arguably the best uncapped player in India right now, Krunal will be expected to play the role of a finisher in this year’s tournament as well.

Keiron Pollard

MI legend, Keiron Pollard will be expected to provide the fireworks at the back end of the innings, as the big man will hope to bring light the Wankhede up tonight.

Suryakumar Yadav

Former KKR star, Suryakumar Yadav will act as a floater in this MI side, as he will effectively take the place of Ambati Rayudu in this side. Yadav was quietly effective for KKR for many years, and will now hope replicate the same for MI this season.

BOWLERS

Rahul Chahar

Eighteen-year old Rahul Chahar was bought for a whopping INR 1.9 crores this year, as MI heavily invested in the leg-spinner’s potential. Chahar will hope to support Krunal Pandya as the second spinner in the side when Mumbai take on Chennai tonight.

Mitchell McClenaghan

McCleneghan returns to Mumbai this year, as the burly left-arm pacer will be expected to provide four extremely effective overs in the innings. A versatile bowler, McClenaghan could prove to be a very shrewd signing by Mumbai this year.

Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur could prove to be a very good signing by MI this year, as the young pacer was one of the standout performers in SRH’s victorious campaign a couple of years ago. One of the best death bowlers in world cricket right now, ‘The FIzz’ could be a super hit in Mumbai this year.

Jasprit Bumrah

Arguably the best T20I bowler in world cricket right now, Bumrah will lead this MI bowling lineup, as the Indian pacer will be tasked with getting early inroads, as well as finishing the innings off at the death.

About the author

Share this article