IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians predicted XI

Mumbai Indians predicted XI for IPL 2021

Modified Feb 20, 2021 14:43 IST

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile

The Pandya brothers will resume business as usual lower down the order, with their big-hitting abilities and more-than-handy bowling.

While Hardik didn't bowl last season as he was recovering from a back injury, Krunal was fairly economical in conditions that didn't suit him very well. Hardik will look to contribute with the ball in IPL 2021, and his brother in the other department.

MI are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the final all-rounder. James Neesham will add great depth to the batting lineup, and his bowling should be enough if Hardik attains full fitness. Marco Jansen, an exciting all-rounder from South Africa, is another left-field option.

But to be on the safer side, MI will probably go with Nathan Coulter-Nile, who played for them last season. The Aussie wasn't at his fittest in the UAE, but he would've had enough match practice by the time IPL 2021 rolls around.

Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

Rahul Chahar has competition from the experienced Piyush Chawla

Rahul Chahar started off IPL 2020 well, but his form tapered off towards the end of the campaign and he was dropped in favour of Jayant Yadav. MI have signed veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, while Anukul Roy is doing exceptionally well in the domestic circuit.

But Chahar should hold on to his place in the side. Chawla was poor last year for the Chennai Super Kings, and barring a few bad games, Chahar was been a consistent performer.

Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult compete the MI playing XI for IPL 2021. Both pacers were amongst the leading wicket-takers in the team's fifth title win, and they'll want to replicate the same performances in home conditions. Adam Milne will be the backup for Boult.

MI's predicted playing XI for IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

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 Prasen Moudgal