It is safe to say that Mumbai Indians (MI) have been one of of the best teams if not the best team in the history of the league. MI have also won the most number of titles. The defending champions didn’t need to purchase too many player on the recently concluded IPL auction 2021 as they already had almost all their bases covered. So, now that the team looks perfect from all angles, what could be the strongest playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2021 if all players are available without any injury issues? Let’s predict their playing XI for IPL 2021.
1) Rohit Sharma (C):
Rohit Sharma, who has lead Mumbai Indians since the 2013 edition, is the best option for the skipper as well as the opener. Whether it is a T20 game, ODI, or a Test match, Rohit Sharma has proved himself as one of the best openers. After IPL 2020, Rohit Sharma has played some good knocks at the opening position.
2) Quinton De Kock (WK):
De Kock has scored 1959 runs in the IPL since 2013. A strike-rate of 133.53 showcases his talent to score quickly and effectively. Adding on, he has scored a hundred in the tournament too! Well, Mumbai has the perfect opening pair in the form of Rohit Sharma and de Kock
3) Suryakumar Yadav:
Suryakumar Yadav played 16 games in IPL 2020 and remained the 7th most run-getter in the tournament He 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 40. At the middle-order spot, Suryakumar Yadav is a dependable batsman for Mumbai Indians. He has the ability to handle the batting when openers fail to score.
4) Ishan Kishan:
The star from Jharkhand smashed over 500 runs in the tournament, Yadav won the team a few games single-handedly. Kishan even scored a 94-ball 173 in the first game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy today, and is all set to showcase his talent to the world once again.
5) Hardik Pandya:
Pandya has been an exceptional all-rounder over the years. Although he has been a bit expensive as he has an economy rate of 9.06, he has managed to bowl during the crucial phases of the game. Adding on, Pandya is an exceptional fielder and an integral part of the Mumbai Indians. Therefore he makes it to this squad.
6) Kireon Pollard:
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to suggest that Kieron Pollard is a legend of the shortest format. The West Indian all-rounder made a name for himself and his country by performing with both the bat and ball. Pollard has been with the Mumbai Indians since his debut. And whenever the team is in a desperate situation, everyone looks at Pollard to save their day.
7) Krunal Pandya:
Krunal has scored 1000 runs in his IPL career. Well, the strike-rate of 142.45 showcases his talent with the bat. Adding on, he was the man-of-the-match during the final of the 2017 season of the Indian Premier League. Since 2016, Krunal has been a regular member of the squad. The opportunity provided to Krnual helped him to grow as a cricketer.
8) Rahul Chahar:
Rahul Chahar started off IPL 2020 well, but his form tapered off towards the end of the campaign and he was dropped in favour of Jayant Yadav. However R.Chahar would still be MI’s first choice spinner as he has been doing well in the domestic circuit.
9) Nathan Coulter-Nile:
NCN was one of the few players who was brought back by his former franchise in the IPL 2021 auctions. The Aussie wasn’t at his fittest in the UAE, but he would’ve had enough match practice by the time IPL 2021 rolls around.
10) Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah has been at his best since the 2016 IPL season. With an economy rate of 7.41, he has been uprooting the stumps almost every batsmen. Adding on, he makes up the destructive bowling pair with Trent Boult. Therefore, it is of no doubt that he makes it to this playing eleven.
11) Trent Boult:
Boult has taken 63 wickets with an economy rate of 8,53. Last year, he picked up 25 wickets with the best bowling figures of 4/18. An economy rate of 7.97 showcases his dominance over the batsmen. Boult has an average of 18.28 which signifies his ability to put the batsmen under pressure. And, we all know how dangerous he is when the ball is swinging!
Do take a look at our analysis where we have explained the same in detail: