IPL 2020 team profiles: Mumbai Indians' key players, fixtures and predictions

Rohit Sharma's champions look in good nick to defend their title in the UAE

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  Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma is arguably the best player in the tournament's history. AFP

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  Chris Lynn can be deadly if he bats for even five overs. Getty

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  Quinton de Kock offers many options for Mumbai. AFP

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  Suryakumar Yadav has been consistent in the middle order. AFP

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  Kieron Pollard can still hit it a long way. AFP

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  Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya is a key member of the XI. AP

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  Mumbai Indians' Krunal Pandya, foreground, will have a big role to play on UAE pitches. AFP

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  Jayant Yadav is an excellent all-round spin option. AFP

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  In the absence of Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult will shoulder much of the pace burden. AFP

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  Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has come up by leaps and bounds. AFP

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  Jasprit Bumrah can be expected to deliver anytime, anywhere and in any format. AP

Mumbai Indians

Based: Abu Dhabi

Last season: Champions

Best finish: Champions in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019

Coach: Mahela Jayawardene

Captain: Rohit Sharma. The most successful player in IPL history? Surely. He was central to Deccan Chargers’ win in 2009, and has overseen all four of Mumbai’s title as captain, too. This tournament coincides with him opening a new coaching academy in Dubai, so some more IPL success will help get extra traffic through the door of that.

Standings at the end of the league phase.

Key man: Jasprit Bumrah

The India fast bowler is arguably the No 1 paceman anywhere in the world in T20 cricket. Evidence the final last year, when his spell of 2-14 helped Mumbai stave off CSK. He will have to shoulder an extra burden with Lasith Malinga absent for possibly all of the tournament.

Big miss: Lasith Malinga

The Sri Lankan death bowling Svengali has taken more wickets than anyone else in IPL history, so is bound to be missed. He opted out, at least for the opening phase of the tournament, as his father has been ill. He has been replaced by Australia’s James Pattinson.

Verdict

As one of just two teams based in Abu Dhabi – Kolkata Knight Riders are the other – the defending champions have had the run of the place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the build up to the tournament.

At least, they have since all involved navigated the quarantine process – plus a sandstorm – which meant they were able to start training on their eighth day in UAE.

Malinga’s withdrawal means they will be without some vital nous, but the arrival of Trent Boult means they still have enviable firepower in their seam attack.

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Check out Mumbai Indians' recreational facilities

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  Mumbai Indians have created a 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. The team room is a 15,000 square foot space for players and family. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians' 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians have created a 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. The team room includes a pool table, a foosball table, an arcade games station, as well as a table tennis table. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians have created a bespoke team room at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians have enough entertainment avenues at their 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians' 'One Family' recreation area is a 15,000 square foot entertainment hub. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Those who like their music can keep themselves occupied throughout IPL 2020. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma enjoys the 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Table tennis is a popular indoor game, something Mumbai Indians players can enjoy at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene with Hardik Pandya. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav at the 'One Family'. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians all-rounders Krunal, left, and Hardik Pandya test their vocals. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Fancy a game of chess? Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians players' name is plastered on the walls of the 'One Family' recreation area at the St Regis hotel in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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  Mumbai Indians have created a unique recreation area for their stay in the UAE for IPL 2020. Courtesy Mumbai Indians.

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Fixtures

1. Match 1, Saturday, September 19, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings

2. Match 5, Wednesday, September 23, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians

3. Match 10, Monday, September 28, 6pm, Dubai – Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians

4. Match 13, Thursday, October 1, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians

5. Match 17, Sunday, October 4, 2pm, Sharjah – Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad

6. Match 20, Tuesday, October 6, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals

7. Match 27, Sunday, October 11, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Mumbai Indians v Delhi Capitals

8. Match 32, Friday, October 16, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

9. Match 36, Sunday, October 18, 6pm, Dubai – Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab

10. Match 41, Friday, October 23, 6pm, Sharjah – Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians

11. Match 45, Sunday, October 25, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians

12. Match 48, Wednesday, October 28, 6pm, Abu Dhabi – Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore

13. Match 51, Saturday, October 31, 2pm, Dubai – Delhi Capitals v Mumbai Indians

14. Match 56, Tuesday, November 3, 6pm, Sharjah – Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians