Mumbai Indians will play Delhi Capitals on March 24.
The Mumbai Indians will be looking forward to winning their fourth title as they are one of the most successful franchises in the league with millions of followers everywhere, they go. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the MI team has won the IPL title in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and with a mentor like Sachin Tendulkar guiding them, the team has become a formidable opponent to any team.
However, this season, MI has been dealt two big blows in Lasith Malinga and Adam Milne withdrawing from the season, leaving the bowling resources a bit thin. They might have to rely on fast-bowling all-rounder Ben Cutting to do the work till they call up replacements. Other bowling options are McClenaghan and Bumrah with Markande as the leading spinner.
Batting wise, Mumbai Indians find themselves in advantage with Rohit Sharma announcing that he will open this season in all the matches. Along with him, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and Evin Lewis are the options to open with Rohit. The middle order of MI will be dependent on Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Yuvraj Singh. The firepower will come from Krunal Pandya, Pollard and Hardik Pandya in the last few overs.
The bowling lineup of Capitals will see Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, and possibly Ishant Sharma leading the pace attack. Akshar Patel and Amit Mishra are capable enough to handle the spin department with Rutherford providing some medium pace option.
Mumbai Indians Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah
Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford, Akshar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma