With IPL 2018 auction to be coming in a week’s time, the fans and followers are eagerly waiting to know the combinations of their favorite teams. Earlier this month, during the IPL retention event, Mumbai Indians (MI) had opted to retain three Indian players: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah and now they can use only 2 right to match cards which they use only on overseas players as they have already retained the maximum limit to 3 Indian players.
Mumbai Indians have been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. They will enter the auction with a clear strategy of picking particular players and they go all the way to get those players. And more often than not this strategy has paid them rich dividends.
Also read: Harbhajan grabs a deal ahead of IPL 2018They have made the right choices in player retention. Rohit, Hardik, and Bumrah are hot properties in world cricket right now and by retaining these players MI has formed a strong base for their squad. They still have two RTM cards with them and in all probability, they are going to use them.
It is most likely that they will use one RTM card for Krunal Pandya. The elder of the Pandya brothers gave some stellar performances in last two seasons and his all-around ability can be vital for any T20 squad. The other RTM card might be used for Kieron Pollard, Mclaghgen or Jos Butler. But keeping in mind Mumbai Indians can’t use it on any Indian players, they might well go with Pollard and Jos Buttler, who recently helped England to win the ODI series against Australia with a stunning century.
Prediction for RTM cards: Kieron Pollard, Jos Buttler
Now, here is the probable list of the players who could fit in as per MI’s requirement to buy for in the auction of IPL 2018.
Jason Roy
Recently, Roy smashed 180 against Australia in the 1st ODI to set the tempo for England in the series which they end up winning. He is a born smasher of a cricket ball and while he failed in the 2017 edition, all eyes will be on him in 2018. Mumbai Indians need a solid opener and he is just the right guy for the job.
Kuldeep Yadav
He has got 77 wickets in 70 IPL games and he is just the bowler Mumbai Indians need. He runs fast, bowls fast and 8 out of 10 times, is bang on target. The fact that as a pacer, he has a bowling economy of 7.29 in IPL increases his importance as a potent T20 bowler.
Krunal Pandya
The Pandya brothers were the X-factor for the team in 2017. Their all-around performance helped the team win the title as well. While Hardik has already been retained, Mumbai Indians would be targeting to get Krunal on board as well. They 2 Right To Matches cards left with them and they should not mind using one to get Krunal back.
Also read: Krunal's career so farJos Buttler
Buttler is the latest entrant to the pool of IPL players and every team will love to have a seasoned campaigner like him in the squad and with MI’s wobbling middle-order, he can become a good contender for the position.
