IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians’ Best XI from retained players

The defending champions of the IPL, Mumbai Indians struck gold in the trade window as they signed two quality overseas players in the form of Sherfane Rutherford and Trent Boult. Besides, they even gained the services of the local fast bowler, Dhawal Kulkarni to bolster their pace bowling attack. The Mumbai-based franchise later released a few of its underperformers from the previous season ahead of the IPL 2020.

The biggest names present on that list were Yuvraj Singh (retired) and Evin Lewis. While Yuvraj has opted out of the Indian Premier League to play in the foreign T20 leagues, Lewis didn’t live up to the expectations in the 2019 edition of the tournament. They have got 18 members in their squad prior to the auction and given the incredible amount of talent present in the team, Mumbai can name a strong playing XI without purchasing a single player in the auction.

Here’s a look at Mumbai Indians’ best XI from retained players:

Openers – Quinton de Kock (WK) and Rohit Sharma (C)

Two of the finest T20 openers of the world, Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma will take the opening spots in the Mumbai Indians’ XI. The left-right combination can work well for the four-time champions. Talking about the individual numbers of the two players, De Kock had scored 529 runs in his debut season for Mumbai Indians last year while Rohit had led the team from the front with 405 runs in 15 matches.

The South African batsman had scored four fifties in the previous season whereas his Indian counterpart had registered two half-tons. Since both the players are in good form at the moment, the team management of Mumbai should not alter their opening pair.

Middle Order – Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard

Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the most consistent players for Mumbai Indians. After playing as a finisher for Kolkata Knight Riders, Yadav received a promotion in the batting order when he moved to his home franchise. He had scored 424 runs in 16 games while batting at number 3 for Mumbai in IPL 2019 thus, he will keep his spot in the team.

The former India U19 captain, Ishan Kishan will come to bat at the number 4 position. Kishan did not impress much in IPL 2019 as he could only score 101 runs in 7 matches. But, this year, he will be keen to better his performance and strengthen his candidature for a place in the Indian national team.

The West Indian all-rounder, Kieron Pollard has repeatedly proven himself as a match-winner in the T20 format. He had even captained the Mumbai Indians last year hence; it is a no-brainer to pick him in the playing XI.

All-rounders – Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya

The Pandya brothers have been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ success over the last few years. Both the all-rounders have even made their respective international debuts riding on their IPL success. While Hardik has become a regular feature in all the three formats, Krunal is yet to cement his place in the team.

The Baroda-born players had scored 585 runs and taken 26 wickets themselves in the previous edition of the cash-rich league. These numbers showcase the immense contribution made by Hardik and Krunal in Mumbai Indians’ success. Also, Krunal had won the Man of the Match award in IPL final 2017. The presence of these two all-rounders provides the much-needed stability to the team hence, Rohit Sharma would love to have them in his match squad.

Bowlers – Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah

Before IPL 2019, it seemed like Mayank Markande will be the leading spinner for the Mumbai Indians. However, Rahul Chahar took that position away from him and now Markande finds himself in the Rajasthan Royals squad. Rahul’s 13 wickets in IPL 2019 had earned him his maiden international cap for India recently. Thus, he will lead the Mumbai spin attack once again.

Mumbai Indians have assembled the world’s best bowling attack by adding Trent Boult in their fast bowling department which already comprised Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. All the three pacers have made a name for themselves with their classy bowling in the T20 format. The opposition batsmen will find it very tough to tackle this trio and with Mitchell McClenaghan as the standby pacer, the Mumbai Indians seriously have the most dangerous pace bowling quartet with them.