Predicted XI of Mumbai Indians Bangalore for Match 5 of IPL 2023
Rohit Sharma and co. would be raring to go after a disastrous IPL 2022 (Source: Twitter)
Mumbai Indians, with their five IPL titles under their belt, have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The last season was nothing short of a big incubus, as they struggled to win just four games and ended up languishing at the bottom of the table. But champions don't stay down for long. With an unwavering spirit and a renewed enthusiasm, the team is ready to hit the ground running for the upcoming IPL 2023 season.
The Mumbai Indians management knows that the key to success lies in a strong core, and as such, they retained their star players, including the likes of the captain, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan.
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To complement their existing core, the Mumbai Indians targeted all-rounders and spinners in the IPL 2023 Mini-Auction. With nine spots to fill, the team management was not afraid to loosen their purse strings and secured the services of eight players. Notably, they splurged 17.5 Crore rupees on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is expected to provide the team with the much-needed balance in the middle order.
As the Mumbai Indians gear up to take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening match on April 2, let’s take a look at Mumbai Indians’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2023.
1. Ishan Kishan
Ishan has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians, amassing 1870 runs in 75 innings, including 12 half-centuries. He had a stellar season in 2020, scoring 516 runs at a staggering average of 57.33, which played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians clinching their fifth IPL title.
Ishan Kishan will look to replicate his form from previous seasons (IPLT20.com)
Although Ishan had a slow start to the 2022 season, he showed his mettle and emerged as the top scorer for the Mumbai Indians by the end of the league stage. However, he would be looking to make a bigger impact in the upcoming season and justify his hefty price tag to help his team win their sixth IPL title.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the formidable captain of the Mumbai Indians, stands tall as an emblem of inspiration for the franchise. With five IPL titles under his belt, the Indian veteran has carved a name for himself in the annals of cricketing history as one of the most successful skippers of all time.
Rohit Sharma will look to find his lost mojo back in the IPL (IPLT20.com)
Despite his undeniable talent with the bat, the past two years have been riddled with inconsistency for the charismatic leader. IPL 2022 was a tough pill to swallow for Rohit, who could only muster a mere 268 runs in 14 innings, averaging an abysmal 19.14.
But this season could mark a turning point for the captain, both in terms of his leadership skills and his batting form. With the international circuit putting pressure on Rohit to deliver in both domains, a strong IPL performance could be the catalyst he needs to reignite his form and confidence ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, has been a revelation in T20 cricket, dominating the scene with his sheer talent and finesse. The dexterous batsman has been unstoppable since 2022, emerging as the top-scorer in T20Is with a staggering two centuries against top-class bowling attacks such as England and New Zealand on their home turf.
Suryakumar Yadav has been Mumbai Indians' batting's linchpin for the last three seasons (IPLT20.com)
Surya's remarkable batting prowess played a significant role in helping MI secure their IPL title in 2020, with 480 runs. He followed up with impressive performances in the next two editions, crossing the 300-run mark. As Mumbai Indians gear up for the upcoming IPL 2023 season, the virtuoso batsman will undoubtedly play a vital role in the team's success, holding firm in pressure situations and unleashing his magic when it matters most.
4. Tilak Varma
The fiery young prodigy, Tilak Varma, burst into the IPL scene with a thunderous bang in his debut season in 2022. The southpaw displayed a fearless approach with the bat and took on the best bowlers with ease, exhibiting his natural flair and impressive technique. He proved his mettle by consistently piling up runs and anchoring the innings when required.
Tilak Varma's potential was on full display in IPL 2022 (IPLT20.com)
Varma finished the season with a remarkable tally of 397 runs in just 14 innings, with an average of 36.09 at a whopping strike rate of 131.02. Before he set the IPL on fire, Varma was already creating waves in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Hyderabad. The youngster is expected to slot in as the No. 4 for the Mumbai Indians, and will play a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ quest for their sixth title.
5. Cameron Green
The young and talented all-rounder caught the attention of Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 mini-auction with his phenomenal performances in his debut T20I series in India. His breathtaking skills with the bat saw him smashing 118 runs in just three innings, making him the highest run-scorer in the series. This eye-catching performance earned him a spot in the T20 World Cup 2022 squad, and he hasn't looked back since.
Cameron Green will look to justify Mumbai Indians' faith in him (MI Twitter)
The world took notice of his exceptional talent and he was widely expected to fetch a big price in the auction. The five-time IPL champions splurged a whopping 17.50 crore rupees to acquire the Australian’s services. As the newest addition to the MI squad, all eyes will be on Green to see how he performs in the upcoming season. But there is little doubt that with his explosive style and impressive track record, he will be a vital part of the starting XI, bringing his all-round skills to the table and helping the team go all the way.
6. Tim David
The enigmatic and explosive Tim David has become a hot topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts due to his stunning ability to finish games in a grand style in the T20 format. David, with his uncanny knack to strike the ball from the word go, is an absolute nightmare for the opposition bowlers. Mumbai Indians recognized his potential in the IPL 2022 season and eventually gave him a chance to prove his worth.
Tim David will be Mumbai Indians' designated finisher during IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Though he initially struggled, the dynamic batsman staged a roaring comeback to finish the season on a high note, smashing 186 runs in eight innings at an astonishing strike rate of 216.28. David's stunning exploits with the bat earned him a national call-up, and he is now regarded as a valuable asset in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. The Melbourne-born cricketer is expected to fill the role of a Kieron Pollard in the Mumbai Indians lineup and deliver more of his trademark fireworks in the grandest T20 tournament in the world.
7. Hrithik Shokeen
With his impressive performances in the previous edition, Hrithik Shokeen made a name for himself as a reliable player who can handle the pressure in crucial situations. Though he did not get too many chances to showcase his skills, the spinner has a calm and composed demeanour, which can be vital in high-pressure games.
Hrithik Shokeen impressed the cricketing community last year in limited opportunities (IPLT20.com)
In the five games that he played, Shokeen scored 43 runs and bagged two wickets. Along with his bowling prowess, he is also a handy lower-order batter, capable of scoring some quick runs when needed. With a few more games under his belt, the young prodigy will surely be one of the key players for Mumbai Indians in their quest for a sixth IPL title.
8. Piyush Chawla
The seasoned pro has been a stalwart in Indian conditions, with an IPL journey that has seen him represent multiple franchises. His wealth of experience and impressive track record was enough for Mumbai Indians to secure his services in the IPL 2023 auction.
Piyush Chawla is an IPL veteran (IPLT20.com)
Known for his pin-point accuracy and a plethora of variations, the right-arm leg-spinner has been a consistent performer in the tournament. Having made his IPL debut back in 2008, Chawla has appeared in a staggering 165 matches, bagging over 150 wickets in the process. The veteran spinner will look to bring his experience to the table and help Mumbai go all the way in the competition.
9. Jason Behrendorff
The exceptional left-arm seamer hailing from Australia, Jason Behrendorff has made his mark in the international arena with his outstanding performances With the absence of Jhye Richardson, who is set to miss the upcoming season due to injury, the onus will be on Behrendorff to shoulder the responsibility and step up for Mumbai.
Jason Behrendorff will shoulder the responsibility of bowling with the new ball (Mumbai Indians)
The southpaw’s ability to extract early swing with the new ball has been his forte and if he can replicate the same for the five-time champions, it will certainly add value to their campaign. With Jofra Archer as his partner in crime, Behrendorff will be expected to lead the charge for the Mumbai Indians and make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
10. Jofra Archer
Mumbai Indians took a gamble on the injury-prone but talented Jofra Archer in IPL 2022, as they viewed him as a key part of their future plans. Now, fully fit and raring to go, Archer has been retained for the IPL 2023 season, and will no doubt be a major asset for the team. Jofra Archer has been nothing short of remarkable in the IPL, with his performance between 2018 to 2020 being a testament to his skills.
Jofra Archer will lead Mumbai's bowling attack in Jasprit Bumrah's absence (MI Twitter)
In 35 matches played thus far, the 27-year-old has managed to bag a total of 46 wickets, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. The Englishman's presence in the Mumbai Indians line-up is sure to strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. And with the benefit of additional match practice under his belt, Archer is poised to deliver a series of match-winning performances for his team in the upcoming season.
11. Akash Madhwal
With Jasprit Bumrah's absence leaving a huge void in the Mumbai Indians' bowling lineup, the responsibility of filling in his shoes might seem daunting for any player. However, MI can rely on their young prodigy, Akash Madhwal, to rise up to the occasion and deliver some awe-inspiring performances in the upcoming season.
Akash Madhwal will look to grab the opportunity with both hands (MI Twitter)
Madhwal was acquired by MI in May 2022 as a replacement for Suryakumar Yadav, who was injured, for a modest price of INR 20 lakhs. The young gun made a mark for himself by picking up nine wickets in seven games for Uttarakhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, all while maintaining an economy rate of 7.20.
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