5 Players who can open for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2020

It is that time of the year when the country moves from supporting the Men in Blue to the fan frenzied support for their clubs. The nation gets split into 8 parts as the fans get ready to cheers on their favourite team to the ultimate title – The Indian Premier League. Like every other year, the Mumbai Indians on paper, yet again look to be the strongest and one of the balanced teams in their league.

The Mumbai armoury is abounded in riches. As a four-time winner of the Indian Premier League – the most by a franchise- the Mumbai Indians have asserted their undeniable hold over the tournament. 2020 ushers in not only a new decade but also new players who would look to leave a mark on the Mumbai fans’ hearts. The team has a right blend of youngsters and the veterans who would take the field to defend the title.

Mumbai Indians has emerged to be the team to beat for the last twelve editions of the IPL. Their batting, led by Rohit Sharma, can break down any bowling attack. While their bowling force, lead by Bumrah, can break the defences of all leading batsmen.

For any team to establish a stronghold on the game, it is important for their openers to strike the ball hard, provide a stable situation for the middle order batsmen’s and help to build a huge score.

Here are 5 players who can solve this opening challenge for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020:

1. Rohit Sharma

It is no secret that the ‘Hitman’, Rohit Sharma loves to open the innings in all format of the sport. The cricket universe has been accustomed to see the swashbuckling captain of the team walk out to open the innings since forever. Even though his IPL statistics aren’t in sync with his international records (with respect to opening the innings), it will be a surprising move if Mumbai Indians chooses another opener over Rohit Sharma to open their run account this season.

Batting at any position other than opening has done no good to the team or himself. The past IPL batting records showcase that he managed to score a mere 286 runs in all the twelve matches he didn’t open, his poorest tally in an IPL tournament. With the focus on the T20 World Cup this year, it would be no surprise if he opens the batting for the team for the entire season and recreates his form of last year.

With other aggressive opening batsmen in their armour this season, it will be interesting to see if Rohit chooses to provide his expertise in the middle-order or stick to his comfort zone– opening.