IPL 2020: Qualifier 1, MI vs DC – MI Predicted Playing XI

Ruthless, unstoppable, unswerving… there are many ways to define Mumbai Indians’ run in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. However, if there is one word for it, it is “dominating”.

They have thrashed every team in the league, and have thrashed some twice! One such is the Delhi Capitals, who they will meet in the first Qualifier of the IPL. Barring their last league game, which, by all means, was an insignificant clash for them, the table-toppers Mumbai Indians have played as the defending champions should.

Their rivals, Delhi Capitals, however, faltered heavily in the latter half of the tournament after a promising start. Coming into the first Qualifier, both teams have the cushion of playing the second Qualifier, although none of them would want to choose that way.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Mumbai Indians for MI vs DC game: 

Openers: Rohit Sharma Quinton de Kock (WK)

Arguably the most relieving sight for thousands of MI-fanatics, and millions of Indians was Rohit Sharma walking out for the toss in MI’s last game against SRH. Sharma, who has been excluded from all the three squads announced by BCCI last month for India’s tour of Australia, was constantly out of action owing to his hamstring injury.

Though the 33-year-old was not able to make his last comeback inning count, his comeback is certainly a massive morale-booster for the team going into this clash.

Partnering him would be the South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who has had a rather successful IPL 2020, and he was enjoying his run with Rohit, before the latter’s injury parted them.

Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya

Ishan Kishan was spectacular in Rohit Sharma’s absence, and he, indeed, not only enjoyed but made full use of the opportunity that he got as an opener. Although, the skipper’s entry into the side means that Kishan will be back in the middle-order, much like the last game.

Alongside Kishan, who has scored 428 runs in 11 innings at an average of 47.55, will be Suryakumar Yadav, who, too, has been simply sensational this year, and has scored 410 runs at 41.00 with a marvellous strike rate of 150.18.

Given that this is the big game, Mumbai’s influential all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been resting after facing some back issues, should be back in action at the expense of Saurabh Tiwary.

All-Rounders: Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya

Even though it came in a losing cause, it was Kieron Pollard’s 25-ball 41 run blinder that took Mumbai Indians to a respectable total of 149 in the last game at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pollard is an undisputed mainstay of the Indians’ setup, and alongside Krunal Pandya, he will once again be on his all-round duties. He has been striking the ball fiercely.

Bowlers: James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar

43 – That is the combined tally of wickets the sensational duo of Jasprit Bumrah (23 wickets) and Trent Boult (20 wickets) have bagged. Running through entire lineups of opponents, and throwing the best of batsmen in this disarray, their partnership with the ball has been envious.

Their exceptional performance has often overshadowed James Pattinson, who, too, has been highly impressive with the ball and has bagged 11 wickets in 10 matches.

The three pacers have been well assisted by the young and talented spinner Rahul Chahar, who is on the tenth spot of the leading wicket-takers tally this year, with 15 wickets at an economy 7.80 this year.