IPL 2018: 5 Players who can guide Mumbai Indians to the title

The most successful franchise in the history of the league, Mumbai Indians have developed a habit of beginning slowly to later astound their fans with some consistent performances, and a shot for a spot in the last four.

They have been instrumental in doing this before in 2015 when they went on to lift the trophy for the second time in the history of the league. Even in the current edition, the men in blue are well on course to spring yet another surprise.

Currently ranked 5th in the points table, Mumbai has mustered just 4 wins in the ten matches they have played so far. The team is yet again living on the edge as one bad performance from here on will probably rule them out of contention for the play-offs.

We take a look at some of those players who can revive their campaign and bring a turnaround in their fortunes:

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#5 Mayank Markande

The young leg-spinner from Punjab has been the real find of this year’s IPL. His inclusion in the Mumbai Indians side, and picked ahead of Rahul Chahar, the more experienced bowler, speaks volumes of his exploits with the ball.

Markande has stepped up to the occasion and happens to be one of the major positives for the men in blue from their disappointing campaign so far in the league.

The leggie hasn’t been afraid of tossing the ball up to the batsmen. In such a short span, he has been appreciated by many ex-cricketers as he boasts to have MS Dhoni as one of his victims in the career so far.

He also held the honour of bagging the Purple cap on numerous occasions, and with 13 wickets in 10 games, he is Mumbai’s second highest wicket-taker in this edition.

#4 Suryakumar Yadav

It was a sort of homecoming for the Mumbaikar when he was picked by the Mumbai Indians at this year’s IPL auction. However, it was quite uncertain for him to feature in the playing XI with star batsmen in the squad. But the failure of some, has paved the way for Yadav to repay the faith shown by the franchise.

His inclusion in the side has given a boost to the batting prowess of the men in blue. With nearly 400 runs in the season so far, he is the highest run scorer for his franchise. Yadav has blossomed at the top and has given the much-needed impetus at the start of the innings.

His exploits along with Evin Lewis, on most occasions, have set the platform for his side to accelerate in the later stages of the game.

#3 Krunal Pandya

The elder Pandya brother got the highest bid for any uncapped Indian when he was bought back by Mumbai Indians using their RTM card at the IPL auction. The franchise seems to have a lot of faith in the all-rounder as he continues to deliver goods for his side with some match-winning all-round performances.

He has been the trump card for Rohit Sharma, who tends to use him at the crucial junctures of the games. The southpaw has blossomed under pressure and is one of the key core players. With the failure of Pollard in the lower middle-order, Krunal has taken the onus upon himself to play the role of a finisher for the side.

He has managed 181 runs to complement his 9 wickets in the ten matches played so far. For Mumbai to continue to do well, Krunal needs to continue his good run of play both with bat and ball.

#2 Hardik Pandya

One of the most improved cricketers in recent times, Hardik Pandya has managed to gain an increase in his stature by many folds. His role for Mumbai as an all-rounder has allowed him to lay more focus on both the departments. However, his batting has suffered a bit but the lion-hearted guy has shown signs of major improvements in his bowling.

As a result, he is currently the highest wicket-taker for his side in this year’s IPL edition. With 14 wickets in 9 games, Hardik has developed an art to bowl with his subtle variations include his death overs execution.

A hard-hitting batsman, Pandya needs to find his lost touch in the batting department but his improved bowling is a bonus for the Mumbai side, and there will be a lot more to come from him in the later stages of the tournament.

#1 Rohit Sharma

The skipper has been a pillar of strength for his side, which is fighting every day to stay alive in the league. His dismal run with the bat in the initial part of the tournament has hurt them high time. Rohit Sharma's role in that batting order is important, and his 50+ scores have always helped his side pull off victories in this season.

He has struck form to help his side close matches with ease, lately. It is very important from Mumbai’s point of view that their skipper continues his exploits with the bat as his form is crucial to the side.

With four matches still to go before the playoffs, fans would hope that Rohit can turn around the fortunes for his side.