Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians meet at Chandigarh for the 9th match of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both sides will be looking to get a move towards the top of the table, as both have one win out of their two games.
Kings XI won their game against the Rajasthan Royals while losing to Kolkata Knight Riders. On the other hand, Mumbai lost their opening game against Delhi Capitals, before winning a close encounter against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Both the sides have had their fair share of controversy, with Kings XI captain Ravi Ashwin mankading Joss Buttler in the opening game of their campaign. On the other hand, Lasith Malinga’s last ball in the Bangalore match with 7 runs required was played for a single, with the replays showing that the Sri Lankan had overstepped.
However, both the sides will be looking to keep that behind and particularly Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians, who are desperate to find some consistency going forward into the season. Their middle-order batting has been an issue, after they lost five wickets for just 24 runs. Nevertheless, their death bowling is now secured with the inclusion of Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan.
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The SportsRush thus predicts the playing XI for Mumbai Indians against the Kings XI Punjab:
Rohit Sharma (c):
The skipper of the team has started the season quietly according to his standards, scoring 14 and 48 in the first two games. The Mumbai lad will be hoping he can make it big against Punjab, who possess a rather strong batting line-up.
Quinton de Kock (wk):
The South-African wicket-keeper bat has also returned modest scores in his first two games in the IPL this season. The talented left-hander, however, his capable of far better performances, and Mumbai will be relying on him for a good start.
Suryakumar Yadav:
Yadav will be an important part of the line-up, considering he will be following two of the most dangerous openers in the league. His anchor role will be in play, and he shall have a good say in the game against Punjab.
Yuvraj Singh:
The man needs no introduction. Yuvraj Singh smashed a 36-ball 53 in Mumbai’s opening game of the tournament, despite the side losing. However, the left-hander is a match-winner on his day, and Punjab will be vary of the threat he possesses.
Kieron Pollard:
Kieron Pollard has been in scintillating form in the past few months and he will again be the danger man for Punjab. His amazing ability to hit sixes and also bowl smartly is expected to benefit Mumbai for the whole of the season.
Krunal Pandya:
Krunal Pandya will have heavy responsibility leading in as the leader of the spin attack of Mumbai. With Kings XI middle order having many internationals, Pandya might be crucial in spinning conditions, along with his handy batting.
Hardik Pandya:
Hardik Pandya’s 14-ball 32 helped Mumbai Indians to reach a score of 187 after a middle-order wobble against RCB. The total was ultimately defended off the last ball, and Pandya will be again crucial for Mumbai Indians as an all-rounder.
Mitchell McClenaghan:
Mumbai faced death bowling problems in the first game against Delhi. However, McClenaghan’s return to form and Mumbai defending in an intense match will boost the confidence of all the bowlers, as the Kiwi will be very crucial, considering his experience at the start and end of the innings.
Mayank Markande:
The young leg-spinner impressed one and all in his debut last season. His brilliant variations and economy helped him take wickets, and he has started this season on a high as well. With Mumbai already having star fast bowlers, this young talent, will be the trump card for Rohit.
Lasith Malinga:
Mumbai will be most happy by the return of the Sri Lankan legend. Despite him over-stepping on the last bowl of the previous game (and being lucky in that case), Malinga was brilliant at the death. His experience will be heavily in action, as Mumbai will look to contain the Kings XI line-up.
Jasprit Bumrah:
The number 1 ODI bowler has hugely impressed one and all with his heroics against RCB. The pacer returned with figures of 3-20 in his four over-spell in a high-scoring encounter and helped Mumbai defend against a star-studded RCB batting line-up.
