#4 Mumbai Indians
The defending champions, the 4-time champions, the franchise to win the league the most number of times, Mumbai Indians have been the team of the league in the 12 editions. They have won 4 of the last 7 tournaments and have been the most consistent side. There is a general trend that they don’t do well in the even years and win the league in the odd years. That’s a trend which is hard to explain but they would be the ones who would be the most inspired to change that.
Leave behind the trend and the Mumbai Indians have the squad to take them not only to the playoffs but also to their fifth title. To start with, they have Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma whose pair is being termed as the dream opening pair. De Kock’s batting has gone to another level in the last couple of years. Rohit hasn’t had the most fruitful last couple of IPL seasons. But if he clicks, just imagine how many games he would win for his team on his own.
Chris Lynn is also in the squad this year. But he had a poor CPL season recently. So, the Australian might not be in the reckoning in the XI for the first few games. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan would be the two Indian batsmen in the middle order. Amongst all the franchises, no other team has a better finishing unit than Mumbai Indians.
Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pollard, and Hardik Pandya are a deadly trio for the death overs. Pollard was the Player of the Tournament in the CPL and won the tournament leading his franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. He was also bowling well there and picked up 4 wickets in the final. So, he adds to the many bowling options for the team along with the Pandya brothers.
Rahul Chahar did well as the spinner last year. He would play a crucial role on slow surfaces. Jasprit Bumrah is the best of the lot in the format and the franchise is blessed to have him at any point in the innings. Lasith Malinga isn’t there for the team this season. But there’s Trent Boult to back him up. Because of the strong Indian contingent, Mumbai Indians have the luxury of playing an extra overseas fast bowler. The extra seamer could be anyone of James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, or Mitchell McClenaghan.
Mumbai Indians have all the bases covered and no other team looks more balanced than them. In the past, they have known to be slow starters. When the league was played the last time in UAE, they had lost all the 5 games. But that’s all in the past. A fresh beginning could see them emerge having another dominant season.
Best XI of Mumbai Indians
Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, James Pattinson/Nathan Coulter-Nile/Mitchell McClenaghan
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