What could the playing XI for Mumbai look like in first game?
Mumbai are unarguably the most successful team in the history of the Indian T20 league. No team has won more titles than them (five). However, they weren’t able to buy back several of their players during the mega auction.
Nevertheless, they managed to buy various news faces, alongside some familiar names as well. So can Mumbai win their sixth title? What would their starting XI look like? Today, we shall be taking a look at the predicted playing XI for Mumbai in the first game of the Indian T20 League 2022.
1) Openers and wicket-keeper: Rohit Sharma (C) and Ishan Kishan (WK)
Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai for quite a while now. Besides, he’s been the face of the franchise. He will be expected to continue winning games for Mumbai.
As for Ishan Kishan, the five-time champions spent a whopping amount of INR 15.25 crore. He’s arguably one of the most talented Indian players currently. Kishan has an amazing hitting ability.
2) Middle-Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Tim David
Suryakumar Yadav has been Mumbai’s “Mr Consistent” since 2018. He has been an absolute match-winner for the franchise. His attacking nature, as well as his consistency, are going to be very crucial if Mumbai are to do well this time around.
Tilak Varma is a talented lad who has shown glimpses of his potential in the domestic circuit. On the other hand, Tim David has been in the form of his life. His aggressive nature is tailor-made for the Mumbai-based franchise.
3) All-Rounders: Kieron Pollard and Daniel Sams
Over the years, Kieron Pollard has gone on to be synonymous with Mumbai, the West Indies limited-overs skipper has single-handedly won a lot of games for the franchise. Thus, a lot is expected from him in the upcoming edition of the Indian T20 league.
Mumbai’s new recruit Daniel Sams comes with a superb reputation. In the absence of the Pandya brothers, he is expected to play the role of the genuine all-rounder in the side. He can very well go on to become the side’s “X Factor”.
4) Bowlers: Jaydev Unadkat, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills and Murugan Ashwin
Mumbai’s bowling attack will heavily rely on Jasprit Bumrah. India’s star pacer has been Sharma’s most trusted pacer for a long time. Accompanying him would be Tymal Mills, who is expected to bowl mostly at the death.
After spending five years at the Rajasthan-based franchise, Jaydev Unadkat is expected to be Mumbai’s second-most important Indian pacer. The fans would hope that he comes good this time around. Last but not the least, Murugan Ashwin will be leading the spin department for Mumbai.
