IPL 2018: How Rohit Sharma's blue brigade could line up in their tournament opener
The most successful team in the IPL, the defending champions enter the tournament as one of the favourites. Mumbai Indians managed to keep their core intact by retaining Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, yet, they will miss the services of two of their star players, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga.
One of the things that can be attributed to Mumbai Indians' past success is the contributions from the youngsters. Many young players including the likes of Bumrah, Pandya, Ambati Rayudu, Krunal Pandya, Saurabh Tiwary and Nitish Rana had stepped up for the side during the times of need.
Mumbai Indians would be expecting their young brigade to perform well and support the big guns this time around as well. Now, let's have a look at Mumbai Indians' predicted XI for IPL 2018:
Openers (Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan)
The IPL debutant, Evin Lewis, has turned a few eyes with his recent performances playing for the Windies. He is a destructive top-order batsman and already has two T20 international centuries in just 14 matches. Mumbai will be hoping that he gets going, as everyone is well-aware of what the Windies players are capable of.
Ishan Kishan had a decent IPL last season but, he is capable of much more. He has a great domestic record as captain for Jharkhand. The keeper-batsman is likely to be given a chance ahead of Aditya Tare and will have to prove his mettle to secure his place in the side.