IPL 2022: Strongest Playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI)

A thin batting line-up, the key focus as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2022.

The most successful franchise in the history of IPL, the Mumbai Indians have always been one of the best strategists at the IPL Auction table. But surprisingly, Mumbai Indians’ strategy for IPL 2022 Mega Auction looked completely out of the sort. Having retained strong contention of Rohit, Bumrah, SKY, and Pollard, MI were expected to build a good core around them. 

But being so much obsessed with Ishan Kishan, MI’s think-tank didn’t have any good buy other than the dashing wicket-keeper opener until the mid of Auction Day 2. When the mid of day 2 came, MI were out of good options, because all the other teams had capitalized. Ultimately, MI had to purchase more filler players. 

However, one thing which Mumbai Indians did really well was acquiring the services of Jofra Archer for INR 8 Cr. While Jofra may not play this year due to injury concerns, they can be sure that they are looking for future, and their plan will eventually materialize in 2023. They might also pray for miracles to happen, and have Jofra’s services in 2022 as well. 

Nevertheless, with the kind of squad Mumbai Indians have assembled, let’s look at the strongest predicted playing 11 for MI for IPL 2022? Before that, let’s also look at the complete squad of MI. Also, please note, the playing 11 is selected keeping 4-5 batters, minimum 2 all-rounders, 1 wicket-keeper, and minimum 3 pacers in mind. 

IPL 2022 Final Squad for Mumbai Indians (MI): 

Batters and WKs: Anmolpreet Singh, Dewald Brevis, Rahul Buddhi, Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Aryan Juyal (WK) & Ishan Kishan (WK)

All-rounders: Arjun Tendulkar, Daniel Sams, Fabien Allen, Hrithik Shokeen, Jofra Archer, Kieron Pollard, Mohd. Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, Sanjay Yadav, Tilak Verma & Tim David

Bowlers: Basil Thampi, Jasprit Bumrah, Jaydev Unadkat, Riley Meredith, Tymal Mills, Mayank Markande & Murugan Ashwin

Openers: Rohit Sharma (C) & Ishan Kishan (WK) 

Having purchased Ishan Kishan for a whopping INR 15.25 Cr, Mumbai Indians would continue with the same opening combination that they experienced in 2021. While Captain Rohit Sharma will hold one end up, dashing Ishan Kishan can go all guns blazing from ball 1. It is a brilliant pair for MI, and can possibly be one of the best in the tournament. 

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma & Kieron Pollard 

Middle-order and below is where things get pretty interesting for Mumbai Indians. While Suryakumar Yadav will continue playing at 3 and Kieron Pollard at 5, Mumbai Indians don’t have any other good batter for the number 4 position. So, in all possibility, young Tilak Verma will be playing at the number 4 position.

While Tilak is young and has potential, he would still need to get his act together to contribute for the team. Overall, if we compare this line-up with their 2021 and 2022 line-up, it looks so thin. They would definitely miss Hardik’s services, who kind of played a dual role for the team apart from being a brilliant fielder.

Finisher All-rounders: Tim David & Sanjay Yadav

Coming to the finishers, Mumbai once again will be relying on newcomers. Tim David is an exciting prospect as we had seen his performance in other domestic T20 tournaments, but he is a newbie In IPL. Meanwhile, Sanjay Yadav should play at number 7 to boost the lower-order. However, he is another name that would be taking his baby steps in IPL. 

Overall, the Mumbai Indians would be heavily relying on their old foes, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kieron Pollard to deliver in the batting department. The likes of Tilak Verma, Tim David, and Sanjay Yadav are newcomers, and may not be reliant options; of course, if they do well, it is ‘balle balle’ for MI. 

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Murugan Ashwin & Daniel Sams 

Bowling has been Mumbai Indians’ strength over the years. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, the likes of Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell McCleneghan, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, etc. have always done well for Mumbai Indians. But 2022 seems to be an underwhelming year for MI in terms of bowlers; at least on paper. 

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack for Mumbai Indians, but barring him, the rest three front-line bowlers aren’t known entities. Daniel Sams and Tymal Mills will play supporting role to Jasprit Bumrah. While both are good options, they aren’t so famous in IPL. In addition, Murugan Ashwin will be their lead spinner, who himself isn’t the most potent option. 

Except for a few solid names, Mumbai Indians have a completely revamped squad with not so famous or potent options. It would be harsh to say, but Mumbai Indians probably have the worst playing 11 for IPL 2022 among all teams. If Rohit Sharma is able to guide MI to the top 4, it would be an achievement worth gold. 

Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for Mumbai Indians for IPL 2022:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Sanjay Yadav, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin, Tymal Mills & Jasprit Bumrah 

So, that completes the strongest predicted playing 11 for Mumbai Indians for IPL 2022. Had Jofra Archer been there, Mumbai’s case would have been more strong. But unfortunately, he would miss the 2022 edition. Meanwhile, barring the above-mentioned best playing 11, Mumbai Indians can also look at the following combinations. 

Other Playing 11 Options for Mumbai Indians:

• Dewald Brevis for Tilak Verma or Sanjay Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat for Tymal Mills
• Mayank Markande for Murugan Ashwin could be a possibility
• Jofra Archer for Daniel Sams or Tymal Mills if Archer is available 
• Dewald Brevis and Fabien Allen for Tilak Verma and Sanjay Yadav. Jaydev Unadkat and Basil Thampi for Daniel Sams and Tymal Mills. This will make batting stronger but would affect the bowling. 

Alternate Best Playing 11 for Mumbai Indians for IPL 2022:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Fabien Allen, Jaydev Unadkat, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah & Basil Thampi 

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2022? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Best Predicted Playing 11 for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

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Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.