Mumbai Indians have been the most successful team in the history of the Indian Premier League. The Mumbai-based franchise topped the standings in 2019 and 2020 and then took the trophy home. They are the only team to have won the IPL championship in India as well as outside India.
Earlier this year, in Phase 1 of IPL 2021, Mumbai Indians started slow but they got momentum and ended the Phase 1 in the Top 4 of the points table. To complete a hat-trick of victories, MI will have to record more wins in the UAE leg of the competition. Mumbai have a strong squad, and here is a look at their predicted playing XI for the 2nd phase of IPL 2021:
Openers of Mumbai Indians – Rohit Sharma (c) and Quinton de Kock (wk)
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma will probably open the innings with Quinton de Kock. The Indo-South African pair has worked well for the Mumbai-based franchise. MI have the option of Chris Lynn available, but it is unlikely they will use him because they will prefer having a right hand-left hand opening combo.
Middle Order – Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan
Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the most consistent performers for the Mumbai Indians in the last few IPL seasons. He has played a vital role in the team’s back-to-back championship wins. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan was out of touch during the Phase 1 of IPL 2021. But he should be back in the playing XI because he had done well for MI in the UAE last year.
All-rounders of Mumbai Indians – Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya
This should be an easy selection for the Mumbai Indians. Kieron Pollard and the Pandya Brothers have proven themselves as match-winners. While Pollard will look forward to continuing his fine form, Hardik and Krunal will be keen to up their game after an uneventful Phase 1 of IPL 2021.
Bowlers – Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Nathan Coulter-Nile
Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah have formed a fantastic bowling pair. Rahul Chahar was the strike bowler for the Mumbai Indians in Phase 1 of IPL 2021. Nathan Coulter-Nile could return to the playing XI as he had taken some crucial wickets for MI in the last season in the UAE.
