IPL 2021: Team-wise four first-choice overseas players

4. Mumbai Indians

1. Quinton de Kock– The keeper-batsman has played a major role in both of Mumbai Indians’ titles over the last two seasons. He has scored more than 500 runs in each of those campaigns and is responsible for getting the team off to a good start. He usually goes about his business at a good strike-rate as was seen last year when he was scoring at 140.5. His ability to get off the blocks quickly allows the likes of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to settle in without worrying about the run-rate.

2. Kieron Pollard– The Caribbean cricketer is the most capped player for the Mumbai Indians in the history of the IPL and has been a regular in their team for 11 seasons. He is also their vice-captain and his inclusion in the XI doesn’t need much justification. Along with the Pandya brothers, he has formed quite a dangerous middle-order and this was on show last season when he scored 268 runs at a terrific strike-rate of 191.42.

3. Trent Boult– Boult has historically not been able to deliver IPL performances that are on par with his showings for New Zealand. However, he successfully changed that last season as he finished 3rd on the chart for most wickets. He picked up 25 wickets in 15 games while conceding at less than eight per over. With such an impressive season behind him, his selection is a no-brainer.

4. Nathan Coulter-Nile– The former KKR pacer was released by MI ahead of the auction but they managed to retain his services by purchasing him for a lower fee of Rs. 5 crores. His performances last season weren’t quite good as he picked up just five wickets in seven games, but that was due to the injury issues he was troubled with. When fully fit, he is an excellent bowler and he will want to justify his selection in the starting XI.