IPL 10, Match 2, RPS v MI: Mumbai Indians Predicted XI

Two-time IPL Champions Mumbai Indians will lock horns with Rising Pune Supergiant in the Maharashtra derby today to kick off their IPL 10 campaign. They have been one of the most competitive sides in the tournament and has gone on to lift the coveted title twice in 2013 and 2015. They have some exceptional players in their rank and it won’t be a surprise if Mumbai goes on to claim their 3rd title this time around.

They have stuck to a core group of players through all these years which have paid them rich dividends. Guys like Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard and Harbhajan Singh have been with the team since the start and their wealth of experience will definitely play a pivotal role if Mumbai harbours hope of reclaiming the trophy. They will be missing out on the service of Malinga and Asela Gunaratne in the opening match due to prior national duty.

So with less than 5 hours to go for the Maharashtra derby to commence here we have a look at the Predicted XI of Mumbai Indians

 Rohit Sharma (C)

The Hitman of Indian cricket Rohit Sharma is expected to open the innings with southpaw Parthiv Patel and will look to get back some form after a long injury lay-off. Sharma has been out of action since the New Zealand series in November last year so it will definitely be a big challenge for him to get into the groove. He was scheduled to play in the Deodhar Trophy but was later ruled out due to a knee injury.

He has the ability to decimate any bowling attacks on his given day and his short arm pull off a fast bowler remains his trademark shot. Not many batsmen can execute the shot like Rohit does. But the only concern for Rohit and the Mumbai Indians team management will be his lack of match practice. He hasn’t played any cricket for the last few months but with a player of Rohit’s calibre, you might just see him come out all guns blazing.

He started off his IPL career playing for the Deccan Chargers before moving to Mumbai Indians. Playing 142 matches in the IPL so far Sharma has amassed 3874 runs at a strike rate of 131 with an impressive average of 34. He has struck 29 fifties to go with a solitary century.