IPL 2018: Predicting the starting eleven of Mumbai Indians
The defending champions of the IPL, Mumbai Indians will once again go into the tournament as favourites, even though they did not have an auction to boast of. A lot of their buys were questioned, with their decision to completely shuffle their batting lineup being perhaps the biggest question mark.
The MI head-honchos have put immense faith once again in the two Pandya lads, retaining both the brothers for sky-rocketing amounts. Rohit Sharma will lead the side once again, with Indian international Jasprit Bumrah being the last retention.
Mumbai Indians have a team which does not look a tournament winning side on paper, but they can surely be dark horses for the title. We look at the best eleven the lads from Mumbai could take into the field.
Opener #1: Evin Lewis
Mumbai Indians' replacement for their long-standing opener Lendl Simmons, is another dashing West Indian southpaw, Evin Lewis. One of the most sought after players in the auction, Evin Lewis could come up as a potential breakthrough of the season.
His explosive batting could make him a reincarnation of another left handed destructive batsman, Chris Gayle.
MI will be banking on Lewis to make merry in the Powerplay.
Opener #2: Ishan Kishan
He is a million dollar accquistion made by the Mumbai Indians, who were pretty keen on getting a great batsman who could don the gloves behind the wickets as well. Ishan Kishan, the former U-19 captain, impressed the audiences with his performances in his debut IPL last year.
Mumbai's fragile looking batting lineup will need Ishan Kishan to make the most of this opportunity. Ishan Kishan lacks the experience but fulfills it with his immense talent with the willow, and playing under India's premier batsman in Rohit Sharma will help him gain much-needed confidence.