IPL 2020: MI's predicted playing XI

Modified Sep 18, 2020 18:46 IST

Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians have won 4 IPL titles, more than any other team

Fast-bowling all-rounders: Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard will be the backbone of the MI lower-middle order in IPL 2020

West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard will be one of the fast-bowling all-rounders in MI's playing XI for IPL 2020, and will serve as the 6th bowling option as well. The Trinbago Knight Riders captain has been in splendid form in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and although he hasn't bowled a lot for MI in the recent past, he has been rolling his arm over in the CPL.

Indian superstar Hardik Pandya will be the other fast-bowling all-rounder in the MI playing XI for IPL 2020. The Baroda man is a match-winner if there ever was one, and might have to give his captain 4 overs with the ball in all games. He is certainly capable of doing so, and his ability to take on the spinners makes him MI's X-factor in IPL 2020.

Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah will have to step up in IPL 2020 in the absence of Lasith Malinga

Young leg-spinner Rahul Chahar will be the lead tweaker in the MI XI during IPL 2020. The Rajasthan bowler has been accurate for the team in the past, but he will have to develop as a wicket-taking threat in the UAE. He will find assistance from the surface, and he will need to deliver if MI are to go far in the tournament.

In the absence of Lasith Malinga, Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will be MI's go-to man at all stages of the innings. He will be ably supported by Trent Boult, who adds variety to the bowling attack and takes up the final overseas slot in the XI.

MI might consider including Nathan Coulter-Nile in place of Lynn to add some beef to the pace attack, but that might leave their batting looking a bit too thin. Plus, Boult's left-arm pace will be an asset both with the new ball and at the death, especially without Malinga in the picture.

MI's Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2020:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Chris Lynn, Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

About the author

Sai is a cricket journalist at Sportskeeda who focuses on listicles and features. A software developer by trade and a writer at heart, he has over 7 years of previous work experience, and always aims to aptly translate his in-depth knowledge and natural affinity for cricket into carefully crafted and well-researched articles.

An ardent Chennai Super Kings supporter who also bleeds blue for his national cricket team, Sai also has a rich history playing the sport. He has featured at the U-16 and the U-19 district levels for Coimbatore, and has also captained his alma mater Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani) Goa's college cricket team in the past.

Sai, who feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a one-of-a-kind athlete, has written over 40 exclusives for Sportskeeda based on players from different levels and age-groups. When he is not working, Sai likes to indulge in travelling, music, photography, and keep close tabs on football, basketball, MMA and F1. He harbors a dream to one day become a high-level cricket analyst and a coach.

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Edited by Atharva Papnoi