Indian Premier League is a T20 competition. However, in recent years, it is almost a requirement for cricketers to develop their game for all three formats. Therefore, in this context, we will be exploring an imaginary scenario in this article. Using the current cricketers in a T20 squad, we try to construct a good Test XI. On that note, here, we take a look at the current Mumbai Indians Playing XI if they played Test cricket.
Note: Franchises construct teams based on the skillsets of the players aligning to the T20 format. This article is purely imaginary and based on contextual scenarios only.
Openers: Rohit Sharma (C) and Tilak Varma
Rohit Sharma will captain the current Mumbai Indians Playing XI if they played Test cricket. The Indian skipper is the obvious choice to play as the opener for this squad. However, there are concerns about who can partner with him at the top.
Although he is playing as a middle-order batter now, Tilak actually started his career as an opener and at No.3. For the requirement of this squad, he would bat at the top of the order.
Middle-Order: Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan (WK)
Mumbai Indians’ middle-order will lack international experience in this department. Nevertheless, there is potential for a future solid middle-order. Dewald Brevis has already started playing for South Africa ‘A’ and it is a matter of time before he plays for the senior squad in Tests.
Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan recently made their Test debut for India. While SKY may not be considered if the injured batters return, Ishan Kishan could be the first-choice wicket-keeper for Team India until Rishabh Pant is back in the team.
All-Rounders: Cameron Green, Hrithik Shokeen and Shams Mulani
It will be a strong group of all-rounders for this current Mumbai Indians Playing XI if they played Test cricket. Cameron Green adds terrific balance to this squad. While he extends this batting order, he will also act as the third pacer for this unit.
In Hrithik Shokeen and Shams Mulani, Mumbai Indians will have an excellent spin group for this squad. Mulani has been picking a truckload of wickets in the Ranji Trophy in recent years. If he can continue his form in the upcoming domestic season, he could soon get a chance in the India ‘A’ setup. Shokeen is also someone who has promise and India might groom for the future.
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah and Kumar Kartikeya
Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, when fit, are two pacers who can control the proceedings in all three formats of the game. While Bumrah could play Tests soon, Jofra might consider the decision because he has been too much on the sidelines to start playing all three formats for England again.
Kumar Kartikeya might appear as a T20 specialist spinner. However, he has been vital for Madhya Pradesh’s success in recent years. Therefore, he will come in as the third spinner for this playing XI. Mumbai Indians can also use someone like Arjun Tendulkar if they need an extra pace option.
