IPL 2018, Mumbai Indians Probable XI: Rohit Sharma's men primed to defend title

Mumbai Indians (MI), the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) side in history, look set to defend their title as we brace ourselves for the start of the 11th edition of the cash-rich T20 extravaganza.

The three-time champions kick-off their campaign by taking on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening encounter of the tournament on April 7. The clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai promises to be an intriguing one as a formidable CSK, under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, look to make a resounding comeback after a two-year hiatus.

MI, though, will back themselves to make a winning start. Rohit Sharma's men boast of a balanced squad this time around as well. The player auctions a couple of months ago meant that every team will have a new look, however, MI seemed to have done well to build a solid squad around their core group of players.

As has been the case over the past few seasons, MI will depend heavily on Rohit, Hardik and Krunal Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard. Having said that, the franchise made some smart buys in the auctions to cover all bases.

As the 'Paltan' get set to start the defence of their title, here's a look at the Probable XI for them this season.

Mumbai Indians Probable XI (In batting order)

1. Rohit Sharma

The first name on the team list, MI fans will hope the skipper opens the batting this season. Rohit found success at the international level once he started opening, but has invariably managed to find his way down the order while playing in the IPL. If the 'Hitman' finds form at the top of the order, victory is pretty much guaranteed.

2. Evin Lewis

With two international T20 hundreds to his name, Lewis is without a doubt one of the most explosive batsmen in world cricket. The West Indian right-hander is someone MI wanted desperately in their ranks, which is why they paid a handsome Rs 3.8 crore for him in the players auctions. If Rohit opens the batting with Lewis and channels the Trinidadian's marauding talent, the duo could very well form the most destructive opening pair in the IPL.

3. Ishan Kishan

For long touted as the next Dhoni, this Jharkhand lad is definitely one for the future. Just like the openers in this side, Kishan bats with a belligerent strike-rate. The former India Under-19 captain has completion from Mumbai Ranji Trophy skipper Aditya Tare for the keeper's role, but makes the cut because of the X-factor he brings to the table. Kishan being a left-hander also adds a bit of variety to the predominantly right-handed batting order.

4. Hardik Pandya

IPL 2018 is when Hardik Pandya, the batsman, could truly arrive. Having played in the lower middle-order for the better part of his career, the 24-year-old must now be given the opportunity to be the batting mainstay. He's shown enough promise with the bat in international cricket, and there's no reason why he shouldn't be given more responsibility in the IPL. That he can bowl his full quota of four overs makes him this team's MVP.

5. Suryakumar Yadav

The 27-year-old is considered someone who hasn't come close to achieving his full potential. Blessed with competent technique, an innovative mindset and a natural ball-striking ability, Yadav is an IPL veteran now. Having made his name playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the right-hander returns to his 'home team' after five years. Although he didn't have a noteworthy domestic season, Yadav did show spark in the recently-concluded Mumbai T20 League where he played a match-winning knock in the final.

6. Kieron Pollard

The burly West Indian had a phenomenal IPL 2017, single-handedly winning cliffhangers for MI. No wonder the Mumbai franchise had little hesitation in using the Right To Match card worth Rs 5.4 crore to retain him. Although he isn't the bowler he once was, the Trinidadian remains indispensable for MI.

​7. Krunal Pandya

The second of the Pandya brothers, albeit older, Krunal is an important cog in the MI wheel. Always one to provide key breakthroughs, the left-hander is also adept with the bat in hand. The fact that MI shelled out a whopping Rs 8.8 crore for Krunal, despite him not having an India cap, says a lot about how much faith the franchise has in his capabilities.

​8. Pat Cummins

One of the finest fast-bowlers in the world at the moment, Pat Cummins is in the form of his life. After an impressive Ashes campaign, the Australian has carried forward his form in the ongoing Test series in South Africa. Cummins provides this team the raw pace it needs, and can also use the long handle if needed. The only concern, though, is his tendency to pick up injuries.

9. Jasprit Bumrah

He honed his skills under the guidance of the great Lasith Malinga for several years, but has now well and truly taken over the mantle of this bowling attack. Arguably the number one T20 bowler in the world, Bumrah will give you an impact spell on most days. MI will need the unorthodox pacer to be at his best if they are to go deep in to the tournament.

10. Rahul Chahar

Each team has to have one Under-19 player in the playing XI, and Chahar could be the man for MI. The leg-spinner gets the nod ahead of Anukul Roy, who made a name for himself with a fine show at the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. Roy misses out since he's a left-arm spinner, and the team already has one in Krunal. With Chahar, there'll be more variety on offer.

11. Akila Dananjaya

The Sri Lankan off-spinner edges Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for this spot. With Bumrah, Cummins and Hardik providing 12 overs of pace, the team could afford another specialist spinner. Also, the fact that MI have two Lankans in Mahela Jayawardene and Malinga in their coaching unit could go in Dananjaya's favour. The defending champs will hope the 24-year-old mystery spinner shows the same spark he did during his sensational six-wicket haul in an ODI against India last year.

​Here's Mumbai Indians' complete squad for IPL 11

Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Pat Cummins, Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ben Cutting, Mustafizur Rahman, Rahul Chahar, Pradeep Sangwan, Jason Behrendorff, Jean-Paul Duminy, Saurabh Tiwary, Tajinder Dhillon, Akila Dhananjaya, Nidheesh M D Dinesan, Aditya Tare, Siddhesh Dinesh Lad, Mayank Markande, Sharad Lumba, Anukul Roy, Mohsin Khan.