The excitement and anticipation leading into Mumbai Indians’ Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 opener against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday is almost palpable. Three-time IPL champions will be looking to make a positive start to the season in front of their passionate home crowd. The team should be able to overcome any challenge the opposition has to offer, if they play to their potential. In fact, when on song here are five things to look forward to from the boys this year.

⦁ A solid opening pair

Before the start of the IPL, skipper Rohit Sharma made it clear in the press conference that he’ll take on the responsibility of opening this season, just as he does for India. Rohit could be partnered by either Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav or Quinton de Kock – who’s currently in the form of his life. This healthy competition for places at the top order gives an indication of the depth of the squad and their multiple options to choose from.

⦁ Fearsome and miserly pacers

As if the presence of Jasprit Bumrah – ICC’s top ranked ODI bowler – wasn’t enough, the return of a fit-again Lasith Malinga to the squad this year comes as a massive shot in the arm. Both pacers are known for their accuracy and consistency, especially at the death. Needless to say, opposition batsmen will be looking to safely negotiate Bumrah and Malinga without much damage whenever possible. And when you add New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan, who’s taken 33 wickets in the last two IPL seasons, it just makes a difficult situation even more challenging for the opposition.

⦁ The game-changing presence of Yuvraj Singh

The experience a World Cup winner brings to a dressing room cannot be undermined and who else to impart that knowledge and winning mentality than the Man of the Tournament in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. Eight years after India won the World Cup, Yuvraj Singh returns to the Wankhede in Mumbai Indians’ colours. In Yuvi, the dressing room can be certain that they have an individual who’ll not be fazed by any situation irrespective of how difficult it may seem. Lest we forget, here’s a man who’s taken two hat-tricks in the IPL and is fourth on the list for sixes (255) hit by Indians.

⦁ A plethora of all-rounders

It’s safe to say that Mumbai Indians have more than their fair share of quality all-rounders, capable of making match-winning contributions with the bat and ball. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Yuvraj Singh and Jayant Yadav have all proven themselves in the past. Another name who can take a game away from opposition teams in the blink of an eye is Kieron Pollard. Pollard is second in the league for most sixes (154) hit, which also happens to be the most by any Mumbai Indians batsman.

⦁ Fresh influx of future Indian stars

Mumbai Indians have a rich tradition of giving talented youngsters a chance to showcase their ability and this season will be no different. The Pandya brothers and Bumrah are just a few names that have come through the Mumbai Indians ranks before going on to establish themselves as regulars in the national setup. Wrist spinner Mayank Markande did his reputation no harm while representing the team last season and the upcoming campaign is likely to unearth some more talented youngsters like Ishan Kishan, Anmolpreet Singh, Rahul Chahar and Anukul Roy.