Indian T20 League: Mumbai's best starting XI

Mumbai are arguably the greatest team to have played in the Indian T20 league. As a matter of fact, no team has won more titles than them (five). However, they selected a new team, with several new faces in the recently concluded mega auction. So what would be Mumbai's ideal playing XI for the fifteenth edition of the league?

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1) Openers- Rohit Sharma (C) and Ishan Kishan (WK)

Rohit Sharma has now become synonymous with the five-time champions. In yet another season as their captain, the Mumbai fans would expect him to be as explosive as he can. Accompanying him at the top would be Ishan Kishan, who Mumbai managed to buy back after spending INR 15.25 crore. Both these aggressive openers, at their full potential, can demolish any bowling attack.

2) Middle-order- Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Tim David

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Over the last few years, Suryakumar Yadav has been an integral part of the Mumbai-based franchise, and has won them several games. On the other hand, Tilak Verma is a new face, and would like to showcase his talent to the world. As for Tim David, he was purchased for INR 8.25 crore and thus, a lot is expected from the hard-hitter. As both of them are aggressive players, they can freely take on the spinners during the middle overs.

3) All-rounders- Kieron Pollard and Daniel Sams

Kieron Pollard is unarguably one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. Unlike others, he is only getting better with age. After the Caribbean powerhouse, Daniel Sams is expected to bat at 7. The genuine all-rounder can not only bowl well at the death, but can also hit some lusty blows with the bat in hand. Last but not the least, this gives the Sharma-led side the luxury to play with six bowling options.

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4) Bowlers- Tymal Mills, Jasprit Bumrah, Jaydev Unadkat and Mayank Markande

Contrary to Mumbai's bowling attacks in the past, their bowling unit shall see more Indians this time around. After a few poor seasons with Rajasthan, Jaydev Unadkat has a chance to redeem himself. Mayank Markande will play as the sole spinner. Thus, a lot will depend on Tymal Mills and Jasprit Bumrah. Both of them cam bowl with the new ball, as well as at the death overs of the game. Besides, in the absence of Jofra Archer, both of them are the only experienced pacers in the side.