Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (Image Credit: Twitter)

Mumbai Indians bought 7 players in IPL 2021 auction. The IPL 2020 champions Mumbai Indians had Rs. 15.35 crore available salary cap during the mini-auction and they spent Rs. 11.70 crore to buy their favourite players. Mumbai Indians, who have won the IPL trophy five times, bought 4 overseas and 3 domestic players.

To replace Lasith Malinga, Mumbai Indians bought Australia pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile and New Zealand bowler Adam Milne. Mumbai Indians spent Rs. 5 crore to buy Nathal Coulter-Nile and Rs. 3.2 crore for Adam Milne. Mumbai Indians won titles in IPL 2020 and IPL 2021, and the Rohit Sharma-led side will be eyeing a third consecutive victory in IPL 2021. Here we look at the best-predicted XI of Mumbai Indians for the first match in IPL 2021.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma, who has lead Mumbai Indians since the 2013 edition, is the best option for the skipper as well as the opener. Whether it is a T20 game, ODI, or a Test match, Rohit Sharma has proved himself as one of the best openers. After IPL 2020, Rohit Sharma has played some good knocks at the opening position.

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Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock (Image Credit: Twitter)

South Africa cricketer Quinton de Kock should be part of the playing XI for Mumbai Indians in the first IPL 2021 game. He is the best wicket-keeper batsman for Mumbai. In IPL 2020, he made 332 runs in 12 matches which consisted of 3 fifties. In IPL 2020, he was the 6th most run-scorer with 503 runs in 16 matches. He also had a strike rate of 140+ which is a good start for an opener.

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav (Image Credit: Twitter)

Suryakumar Yadav played 16 games in IPL 2020 and remained the 7th most run-getter in the tournament He 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 40. At the middle-order spot, Suryakumar Yadav is a dependable batsman for Mumbai Indians. He has the ability to handle the batting when openers fail to score. So he will be the best option for Mumbai Indians at the one-down position.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ishan Kishan proved his worth to the team when he scored maximum runs for Mumbai Indians in the last edition. He smashed 516 runs in 13 innings, becoming the highest run-scorer for Mumbai Indians and 5th most overall. The left-handed batsman smashed 30 sixes in IPL 2020, most by any batsman in the league. Ishan Kishan will be a great option for Mumbai Indians at the middle-order spot.

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Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard (Image Credit: Twitter)

Kieron Pollard is a bonus option for Mumbai Indians as he can deliver with both bat and the ball. He has a great strike rate which helps the team to increase the run-rate during the last few overs. Last year in IPL 2020, he had the best strike rate at 191+. He also had an average of 53+ in 12 matches. So Kieron Pollard is the best option at the lower-middle order position.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (Image Credit: Twitter)

Hardik Pandya showed his importance to the team in the last edition. He single-handedly won few games for the team. His ability to hit long shots and superb strike rate helps the team to rise their run-rate during the death overs. So Hardik Pandya is a must addition in the playing 11. Hardik Pandya can grab the match from the opposition’s hand. His great strike rate will help Mumbai Indians in the first game in IPL 2021.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya (Image Credit: Twitter)

Krunal Pandya is a good option as a secondary bowler in the team. He is a left-arm bowler, thus can bowl at an uncomfortable angle. He can contribute with both ball and the bat, which makes him an essential choice for Mumbai Indians.

Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar (Image Credit: Twitter)

Rahul Chahar has emerged as a great spin bowler for Mumbai Indians. Last season, he grabbed 15 wickets in 15 games. He is among the best full-time spinner for Mumbai Indians. The team now also has Piyush Chawla in the squad, but for the first match, Rahul Chahar will be a better option.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah (Image Credit: Twitter)

Jasprit Bumrah is the biggest backbone of Mumbai Indians in the bowling department. Whether it is T20, ODI or Test format, Bumrah can disturb the opposition batsmen with his variation and speed. Last year in IPL 2020, Bumrah was the second most wicket-taker with 27 dismissals in 15 games. He also had an economy of just 6.73. Mumbai Indians need Bumrah in the bowling department and he must be part of the playing XI in the first game.

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Nathan Coulter-Nile

Nathan Coulter-Nile
Nathan Coulter-Nile (Image Credit: Twitter)

Nathan Coulter-Nile will be another prominent pacer that Mumbai Indians will need in the match. Mumbai Indians re-signed Australia pacer Nile in IPL 2021 auction, which proves his importance to the franchisee. Nile will provide great assistance to Bumrah, and it will be a nice idea to test the Australia pacer in the first game.

Trent Boult

Trent Boult
Trent Boult (Image Credit: Twitter)

Other than Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult was the leading bowler who helped Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020 journey. The New Zealand pacer took 25 wickets in 15 games and was the third most wicket-taker in the season. Boult and Bumrah’s combination in bowling will destruct the opposition batsmen in IPL 2021. So Trent Boult should be allowed to lead from the front in IPL 2021.

Vikas Singh Derek has been working for Cricketaddictor since February 2021. He has written over 12,000 articles for Cricketaddictor. He is a sports writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience...