Mumbai Indians is always one of the favourites to win the Indian Premier League before the start of the campaign. However, this time around the franchise looks stronger than ever even before the IPL 2024 Auctions. They have a strong core of Indian players and when mixed with foreign talent, they appear to be the strongest on paper.
The five-time champions have a balanced side with key players in almost all the main areas. Their bowling which looked weak last year might be one of the strengths this year with the return of some key players. Let’s take a look at how the outfit might appear during the Indian Premier League 2024
Mumbai Indians predicted XI ahead of IPL 2024 Auctions
1) Openers (Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan)
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan (Source: Twitter)
The fans saw a ton of changes in the opening positions as Mumbai Indians tried to fit their marquee signing, Cameron Green in the playing XI. However, they might go with their preferred opening choice of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma. Both are destructive batters once they get their eye into the game.
If the duo are not knocked over early, they can keep up with the momentum and build the team’s innings from there on. Rohit’s new white-ball approach might also be fruitful in the IPL. His blistering starts can allow KIshan to play anchor during the powerplay. Once he gets settled, the pair can dominate any bowler on any pitch knowing they have wickets in hand.
2) Middle order (Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera)
Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera (Source: Twitter)
Suryakumar Yadav slots into the playing XI with ease and is one of the most talented T20I batters in the world. The world number one T20I batter had a great second half of the season last year and would look to smash runs from the first game itself.
Tilak Varma’s rise for the Mumbai Indians earned him a spot in the Indian team. His place not only in the MI playing XI but also in the Indian side is sealed. Being a left-handed batter who plays at number four is a blessing. His ability to change the tide of the game with his range of shots is unparalleled.
Nehal Wadhera was one of the rising stars for Mumbai Indians last year. He is another one of the young Indian batters that can have a long-term future with the franchise. He can anchor the innings after early fall of wickets as well as can accelerate an innings if comes to bat at the death. His power-hitting has reminded some people of Keiron Pollard and his fielding skills have also been handy for the side.
3) Finishers (Hardik Pandya and Tim David)
Hardik Pandya (Source: Twitter)
Hardik Pandya’s return looks imminent and his inclusion will provide the right balance for the side. He has performed well with the new ball and his new role for the Indian team as a late anchor and finisher can be fruitful for MI. His new-ball bowling can prove to pay dividends for the team. It can allow Mumbai to play with just four front-line bowlers.
Tim David is mostly likely to be retained by the Mumbai Indians. Being in his third season with MI, it is now or never for him to perform consistently. Knowing his role is to smash sixes at the end and finish off chases is difficult, but he has been a key player for his other franchises around the world.
4) Bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Aakash Madhwal and Jason Behrendorff)
Jasprit Bumrah (Source: Twitter)
Jasprit Bumrah is back and would most likely be fit for the Indian Premier League 2024 season unless he picks up a new injury. He was one of the key figures that Mumbai missed in their playing XI last year. His ability to take wickets at regular intervals cannot be matched. His inclusion will strengthen the Mumbai bowling massively.
Piyush Chawla was one of the most consistent bowlers for Mumbai Indians last year. Taking wickets regularly at the wankhede for a spinner is one of the most difficult tasks but the veteran made it look easy. He is going to be retained and might start in the XI once again. He might face competition with overseas spinners if Mumbai Indians decide to buy them during the auction.
Aakash Madhwal turned out to be a rising star for the Mumbai Indians in the past season. He is another one of the players groomed by the MI management. His 20 lakh purchase is going to look like a steal in the coming years. He will be the key death over partner along with Jasprit Bumrah in the coming season.
Jason Behnrendorff showed recently why he is still one of the best swing bowlers in the overseas fast bowling department. He can guarantee wickets at the start and can put pressure on the batters with consistent and accurate bowling. He will be very likely to start in the XI, if MI do not go for a better fast bowler in the auctions.
