The two-time champions of the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians had a pretty balanced squad before the player auction and even after letting some players go, their equilibrium was not hampered drastically like the other franchises. Even though they did try to buy Ben Stokes to a certain extent, they did not end up spending too much on one player and Karn Sharma was their costliest pick for INR 3.2 crores.

Other notable picks were Mitchell Johnson and Krishnappa Gowtham who came at the prize of INR 2 crores and Nicolas Pooran and Asela Gunaratne for INR 30 Lacs each. With the inclusion of these players, their squad only got stronger. In spite of the additions, we could still see the core of the team taking the field. Here is a look at the best XI for Mumbai Indians with the updated squad:

<strong>Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119266" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119266" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The franchise was well served by the duo of Parthiv and Simmons at the start. They play the perfect foil for each other as Parthiv goes after the bowling from the outset and Simmons plays second fiddle for a few overs. Simmons starts going after the bowling after getting the feel of the pitch and likes to go on to get a big score.

Mumbai always seemed to have troubles with the opening combination and had tried multiple players like Richard Levi, Alex Hales and Aided Blizzard but none of them really made a mark at that slot. Since Simmons joined the squad in the year 2015, he has combined well with Parthiv to form a formidable opening pair.

<strong>Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119267" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119267" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The skipper Rohit Sharma has been a prominent player for the team since he made an entry into the squad in 2011 and since he became the captain of the side in 2013, the team has been crowned the champions twice. He is their most important batsman and has a fabulous record in the league and batting at number 3, he has won numerous matches for his side.

He is followed by the reliable Ambati Rayudu at number 4 who has been an integral part of the side since 2010. He possesses an exceptional sense of building the innings and is a wonderful player of spin bowling and plays the quickies equally well. The right-hander paces his innings beautifully and with the ability to hit big shots, he has proven to be a potential finisher on many occasions.

Depending upon the state of the game, either Jos Buttler or Kieron Pollard will bat at number 5. Buttler has tremendous hitting abilities that he showcased in the previous edition of the tournament. He was the third highest run-getter for them. With the amazing wrists, he comes in handy during the death overs to score quick runs.

<strong>Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119264" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119264" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Kieron Pollard emerged on the world stage after his stellar performances for the Mumbai team in the previous seasons. Even though he was not in the best of forms last year, Mumbai would still go for him at the start of the league. He possesses humungous strength and has hit some huge sixes over the years and with his more than handy medium pace bowling, he has proved to be a useful all-rounder in the side.

One big hitter would be followed by another in the form of Hardik Pandya who in recent times has been one of the most improved cricketers in the Indian contingent. He has worked a lot on his bowling and now bowls close to 140 clicks and that combined with his power hitting makes him a top player for any T20 side.

His elder brother Krunal Pandya was an unknown commodity until the last season where he impressed one and all with his all round skills. Although he is not a big turner of the ball with his left-arm spin, yet the in-dippers with the new ball have proved to be lethal. When it comes to hitting sixes, he is not too far behind his younger sibling.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-19190" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg" alt="IPL final" width="600" height="412" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19190" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The veteran off-spinner has been with the Mumbai squad since the inception of the league. The selectors haven&#8217;t felt the need to have any other specialist spinner in the squad with Harbhajan&#8217;s presence. Along with his bowling, he has shown the prowess to hit some lusty blows at the end and also holds the record for the fastest fifty for the team that he got off just 19 balls.

He has a magnificent record as a spinner in the team. In 125 matches in the league, he has picked up 119 wickets with an outstanding economy rate of 7 and is 5th on the list of the leading wicket-takers in the competition. Every now and then he produces a spell that turns the game in favour of the Mumbai team.

<strong>Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119265" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119265" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Mumbai contains perhaps the most lethal combination of the fast bowlers who can put the breaks on any team&#8217;s run scoring. Malinga has been associated with the side since the first year and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the league with 143 scalps to his name, far ahead of the rest.

His partner Jasprit Bumrah has taken a leaf out of his fellow pacer&#8217;s book when it comes to bowling yorkers. Both can crush the toes of the batsmen at will and have unusual actions that make it extremely difficult for the batsmen to pick. Both of them incorporate wonderful changes of pace with minimal changes in the actions.

The squad looks very balanced on paper and demands no changes. Yet in the case of injuries or poor forms, they have several options available that can fill in the void immediately. They have world class overseas fast bowlers in Mitchell McClenaghan, Tim Southee and newly bought Mitchell Johnson who can come in for Malinga if required.

Karn Sharma is another option they might look for in case extra specialist spinner is needed and he could be a replacement for Krunal Pandya or Parthiv Patel for that matter who can hand over the gloves to Jos Buttler and Rohit can be pushed up the order to open the innings.

Their economy buys of Nicolas Pooran and Asela Gunaratne and the new batting sensation of Krishnappa Gowtham could be potential replacements for Pollard if he doesn&#8217;t gain back his form in time.

<strong>Mumbai Indians’ final squad for IPL 2017 </strong>

Rohit Sharma (c), Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Gopal, Vinay Kumar, Parthiv Patel, Nitish Rana, Siddhesh Lad, J Suchith, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Punia, Jitesh Sharma, Tim Southee, Jos Buttler, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Karn Sharma, K Gowtham, Kulwant Khejroliya, Asela Gunaratne and Nicholas Pooran.

<p>The two-time champions of the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians had a pretty balanced squad before the player auction and even after letting some players go, their equilibrium was not hampered drastically like the other franchises. Even though they did try to buy Ben Stokes to a certain extent, they did not end up spending too much on one player and Karn Sharma was their costliest pick for INR 3.2 crores.</p>
<p>Other notable picks were Mitchell Johnson and Krishnappa Gowtham who came at the prize of INR 2 crores and&nbsp;Nicolas Pooran and&nbsp;Asela Gunaratne for INR 30 Lacs each. With the inclusion of these players, their squad only got stronger. In spite of the additions, we could still see the core of the team taking the field. Here is a look at the best XI for Mumbai Indians with the updated squad:</p>
<h4><strong>Openers:</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119266" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-119266" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons" width="600" height="450" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119266" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The franchise was well served by the duo of Parthiv and Simmons at the start. They play the perfect foil for each other as Parthiv goes after the bowling from the outset and Simmons plays second fiddle for a few overs. Simmons starts going after the bowling after getting the feel of the pitch and likes to go on to get a big score.</p>
<p>Mumbai always seemed to have troubles with the opening combination and had tried multiple players like Richard Levi, Alex Hales and Aided Blizzard but none of them really made a mark at that slot. Since Simmons joined the squad in the year 2015, he has combined well with Parthiv to form a formidable opening pair.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Middle Order</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and&nbsp;Jos Buttler</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119267" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119267" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-119267" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt width="600" height="450" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119267" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The skipper Rohit Sharma has been a prominent player for the team since he made an entry into the squad in 2011 and since he became the captain of the side in 2013, the team has been crowned the champions twice. He is their most important batsman and has a fabulous&nbsp;record in the league and batting at number 3, he has won numerous matches for his side.</p>
<p>He is followed by the reliable Ambati Rayudu at number 4 who has been an integral part of the side since 2010. He possesses an exceptional sense of building the innings and is a wonderful player of&nbsp;spin bowling and plays the quickies&nbsp;equally well. The right-hander paces his innings beautifully and with the&nbsp;ability to hit big shots, he has proven to be a potential finisher on many occasions.</p>
<p>Depending upon the state of the game, either Jos Buttler or Kieron Pollard will bat at number 5. Buttler has tremendous hitting abilities that he showcased in the previous edition of the tournament. He was the third highest run-getter for them. With the amazing wrists, he comes in handy during the death overs to score quick runs.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>All-rounders</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119264" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119264" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-119264" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya" width="600" height="450" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119264" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kieron Pollard emerged on the world stage after his stellar performances for the Mumbai team in the previous seasons. Even though he was not in the best of forms last year, Mumbai would still go for him at the start of the league. He possesses humungous strength and has hit some huge sixes over the years and with his more than handy medium pace bowling, he has proved to be a useful all-rounder in the side.</p>
<p>One big hitter would be followed by another in the form of Hardik Pandya who in recent times has been one of the most improved cricketers in the Indian contingent. He has worked a lot on his bowling and now bowls close to 140 clicks and that combined with his power hitting makes him a top player for any T20 side.</p>
<p>His elder brother Krunal Pandya was an unknown commodity until the last season where he impressed one and all with his all round skills.&nbsp;Although he is not a big turner of the ball with his left-arm spin, yet the in-dippers with the new ball have proved to be lethal. When it comes to hitting sixes, he is not too far behind his younger sibling.</p>
<h4><strong>Spinner</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Harbhajan Singh</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_19190" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19190" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-19190" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg" alt="IPL final" width="600" height="412" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19190" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The veteran off-spinner has been with the Mumbai squad since the inception of the league. The selectors haven’t felt the need to have any other specialist spinner in the squad with Harbhajan’s presence. Along with his bowling, he has shown the prowess to hit some lusty blows at the end and also holds the record for the fastest fifty for the team that he got off just 19 balls.</p>
<p>He has a magnificent record as a spinner in the team. In 125 matches in the league, he has picked up 119 wickets with an outstanding economy rate of 7 and is 5th on the list of the leading wicket-takers in the competition. Every now and then he produces a spell that turns the game in favour of the Mumbai team.</p>
<h4><strong>Fast Bowlers</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119265" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-119265" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah" width="600" height="450" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119265" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai contains perhaps the most lethal combination of the fast bowlers who can put the breaks on any team’s run scoring. Malinga has been associated with the side since the first year and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the league with 143 scalps to his name, far ahead of the rest.</p>
<p>His partner Jasprit Bumrah has taken a leaf out of his fellow pacer’s book when it comes to bowling yorkers. Both can crush the toes of the batsmen at will and have unusual actions that make it extremely difficult for the batsmen to pick. Both of them incorporate wonderful changes of pace with minimal changes in the actions.</p>
<h4><strong>Possible Replacements</strong></h4>
<p>The squad looks very balanced on paper and demands no changes. Yet in the case of injuries or poor forms, they have several options available that can fill in the void immediately. They have world class overseas fast bowlers in Mitchell McClenaghan, Tim Southee and newly bought Mitchell Johnson who can come in for Malinga if required.</p>
<p>Karn Sharma is another option they might look for in case extra specialist spinner is needed and he could be a replacement for Krunal Pandya or Parthiv Patel for that matter who can hand over the gloves to Jos Buttler and Rohit can be pushed up the order to open the innings.</p>
<p>Their economy buys of Nicolas Pooran and Asela Gunaratne and the new batting sensation of Krishnappa Gowtham could be potential replacements for Pollard if he doesn’t gain back his form in time.</p>
<h4><strong>Mumbai Indians’ final squad for IPL 2017&nbsp;</strong></h4>
<p>Rohit Sharma (c), Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Gopal, Vinay Kumar, Parthiv Patel, Nitish Rana, Siddhesh Lad, J Suchith, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Punia, Jitesh Sharma,&nbsp;Tim Southee, Jos Buttler, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Karn Sharma, K Gowtham, Kulwant Khejroliya, Asela Gunaratne and Nicholas Pooran.</p>

<p>The two-time champions of the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians had a pretty balanced squad before the player auction and even after letting some players go, their equilibrium was not hampered drastically like the other franchises. Even though they did try to buy Ben Stokes to a certain extent, they did not end up spending too much on one player and Karn Sharma was their costliest pick for INR 3.2 crores.</p>
<p>Other notable picks were Mitchell Johnson and Krishnappa Gowtham who came at the prize of INR 2 crores and Nicolas Pooran and Asela Gunaratne for INR 30 Lacs each. With the inclusion of these players, their squad only got stronger. In spite of the additions, we could still see the core of the team taking the field. Here is a look at the best XI for Mumbai Indians with the updated squad:</p>
<h4><strong>Openers:</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119266" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119266" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Parthiv-Patel-and-Lendl-Simmons.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119266" class="wp-caption-text">Parthiv Patel and Lendl Simmons. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The franchise was well served by the duo of Parthiv and Simmons at the start. They play the perfect foil for each other as Parthiv goes after the bowling from the outset and Simmons plays second fiddle for a few overs. Simmons starts going after the bowling after getting the feel of the pitch and likes to go on to get a big score.</p>
<p>Mumbai always seemed to have troubles with the opening combination and had tried multiple players like Richard Levi, Alex Hales and Aided Blizzard but none of them really made a mark at that slot. Since Simmons joined the squad in the year 2015, he has combined well with Parthiv to form a formidable opening pair.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>Middle Order</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119267" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119267" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119267" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Rohit-Sharma-Ambati-Rayudu-and-Jos-Buttler.jpg" alt width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119267" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The skipper Rohit Sharma has been a prominent player for the team since he made an entry into the squad in 2011 and since he became the captain of the side in 2013, the team has been crowned the champions twice. He is their most important batsman and has a fabulous record in the league and batting at number 3, he has won numerous matches for his side.</p>
<p>He is followed by the reliable Ambati Rayudu at number 4 who has been an integral part of the side since 2010. He possesses an exceptional sense of building the innings and is a wonderful player of spin bowling and plays the quickies equally well. The right-hander paces his innings beautifully and with the ability to hit big shots, he has proven to be a potential finisher on many occasions.</p>
<p>Depending upon the state of the game, either Jos Buttler or Kieron Pollard will bat at number 5. Buttler has tremendous hitting abilities that he showcased in the previous edition of the tournament. He was the third highest run-getter for them. With the amazing wrists, he comes in handy during the death overs to score quick runs.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>All-rounders</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119264" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119264" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119264" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Kieron-Pollard-Hardik-Pandya-and-Krunal-Pandya.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119264" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Kieron Pollard emerged on the world stage after his stellar performances for the Mumbai team in the previous seasons. Even though he was not in the best of forms last year, Mumbai would still go for him at the start of the league. He possesses humungous strength and has hit some huge sixes over the years and with his more than handy medium pace bowling, he has proved to be a useful all-rounder in the side.</p>
<p>One big hitter would be followed by another in the form of Hardik Pandya who in recent times has been one of the most improved cricketers in the Indian contingent. He has worked a lot on his bowling and now bowls close to 140 clicks and that combined with his power hitting makes him a top player for any T20 side.</p>
<p>His elder brother Krunal Pandya was an unknown commodity until the last season where he impressed one and all with his all round skills. Although he is not a big turner of the ball with his left-arm spin, yet the in-dippers with the new ball have proved to be lethal. When it comes to hitting sixes, he is not too far behind his younger sibling.</p>
<h4><strong>Spinner</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Harbhajan Singh</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_19190" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19190" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-19190" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Harbhajan-Singh-MI-vs-Suresh-Raina-CSK-e1460191511414.jpg" alt="IPL final" width="600" height="412" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19190" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The veteran off-spinner has been with the Mumbai squad since the inception of the league. The selectors haven&#8217;t felt the need to have any other specialist spinner in the squad with Harbhajan&#8217;s presence. Along with his bowling, he has shown the prowess to hit some lusty blows at the end and also holds the record for the fastest fifty for the team that he got off just 19 balls.</p>
<p>He has a magnificent record as a spinner in the team. In 125 matches in the league, he has picked up 119 wickets with an outstanding economy rate of 7 and is 5th on the list of the leading wicket-takers in the competition. Every now and then he produces a spell that turns the game in favour of the Mumbai team.</p>
<h4><strong>Fast Bowlers</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah</strong></h5>
<figure id="attachment_119265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119265" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119265" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Lasith-Malinga-and-Jasprit-Bumrah.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah" width="600" height="450" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119265" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai contains perhaps the most lethal combination of the fast bowlers who can put the breaks on any team&#8217;s run scoring. Malinga has been associated with the side since the first year and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the league with 143 scalps to his name, far ahead of the rest.</p>
<p>His partner Jasprit Bumrah has taken a leaf out of his fellow pacer&#8217;s book when it comes to bowling yorkers. Both can crush the toes of the batsmen at will and have unusual actions that make it extremely difficult for the batsmen to pick. Both of them incorporate wonderful changes of pace with minimal changes in the actions.</p>
<h4><strong>Possible Replacements</strong></h4>
<p>The squad looks very balanced on paper and demands no changes. Yet in the case of injuries or poor forms, they have several options available that can fill in the void immediately. They have world class overseas fast bowlers in Mitchell McClenaghan, Tim Southee and newly bought Mitchell Johnson who can come in for Malinga if required.</p>
<p>Karn Sharma is another option they might look for in case extra specialist spinner is needed and he could be a replacement for Krunal Pandya or Parthiv Patel for that matter who can hand over the gloves to Jos Buttler and Rohit can be pushed up the order to open the innings.</p>
<p>Their economy buys of Nicolas Pooran and Asela Gunaratne and the new batting sensation of Krishnappa Gowtham could be potential replacements for Pollard if he doesn&#8217;t gain back his form in time.</p>
<h4><strong>Mumbai Indians’ final squad for IPL 2017 </strong></h4>
<p>Rohit Sharma (c), Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Gopal, Vinay Kumar, Parthiv Patel, Nitish Rana, Siddhesh Lad, J Suchith, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Punia, Jitesh Sharma, Tim Southee, Jos Buttler, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Karn Sharma, K Gowtham, Kulwant Khejroliya, Asela Gunaratne and Nicholas Pooran.</p>

IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians Best Possible XI

The two-time champions of the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians had a pretty balanced squad before the player auction and even after letting some