IPL 2018: Match 1, MI vs CSK: Mumbai Indians Predicted XI

The buzz surrounding the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been escalating as the tournament comes closer. Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians will be playing the opening game. While, the Indians, being the defending champions, would be brimming with confidence, the Super Kings would be trying to reinstate their authority in the league.

While CSK have a strong lineup, the Rohit Sharma-led team can’t be undermined by any stretch of the imagination. They have managed to retain the core of their side in the retention ceremony as well as the auction in Bangalore. In our article, we take a look at the playing eleven that is most likely to take the field against CSK at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Openers (Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan (wk))

Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan are most likely to open for the Indians in their opening game. Lewis has been outstanding in the shortest format of the game for the Windies. Also, he has a couple of centuries against India, opening the batting. The Trinidadian has also been exceptional in the Caribbean Premier League last year for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has also been in prime form lately. Last year, he represented the Gujarat Lions and took them off to blistering starts on several occasions. While Lewis will be playing his maiden IPL, Kishan can take heart from his impressive stint last year.

Middle-order  (Rohit Sharma (capt), Suryakumar Yadav)

The middle order has the experience of Rohit Sharma and the spunk of Surykumar Yadav. Rohit has been one of the dynamic batsmen in world cricket, especially in the T20 format and Mumbai would desperately want him to fire. Also, he is the skipper of the team and expectations will be high from the Mumbaikar

Suryakumar Yadav can also be a vital cog in their lineup. He played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous seasons and played some useful knock lower down the order. Moreover, he is also safe as houses as a fieldsman.

All-rounder (Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya)

Mumbai would be hoping for the Pandya brothers- Hardik and Krunal to fire. While Hardik was retained in the retention ceremony, the franchise used the Right to Match (RTM) card for Krunal Pandya. Hardik has struggled for India lately, however, Mumbai would be banking on him, bearing in mind the impact he can make with both bat and ball.

Krunal is one of the prime spinners in the team and can also churn out runs at vital stages of the game. Kieron Pollard has played for the Indians ever since 2010 and has been played many match-winning knocks for them. Also, he is handy as a medium pacer and exceptional as a fielder.

Bowlers (Pat Cummins/ Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar)

Mumbai Indians have an impressive set of bowlers who can ruffle the feathers of the best. Pat Cummins has been effective against South Africa and would want to carry forward his touch from the outset. However, Ben Cutting also has the chances to be drafted into the playing eleven. Mustafizur Rahman had shown tremendous skills in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy as well.

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be entrusted to bowl the death overs and restrict the opposition with his deceptive slower deliveries and Yorkers. Rahul Chahar might partner Krunal in the spin department. Also, keeping in mind, the performances of leg-spinners in the IPL, he might find a place in the eleven.

Here’s the MI predicted XI against CSK

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