IPL 2017, MI vs KXIP: Mumbai Indians (MI) probable playing XI against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

Mumbai Indians are currently the table toppers

Mumbai Indians, favourites to win the tournament, sit at the top of the table after 12 games with nine wins and three losses and have already qualified for the playoffs. After losing their previous outing against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, they will look to get the better off Kings XI Punjab in match no. 51 of Vivo IPL 10.

That said, the game is in Wankhede, which is the home side's fortress and that won’t make a victory too easy for Punjab.

We take a look at the probable playing XI for the Mumbai Indians in tonight's encounter. 

Lendl Simmons

After warming the bench for most of the season due to the inclusion of Jos Buttler, Lendl Simmons hit a match-winning half-century against the Delhi Daredevils to win Man of the Match award. The West Indian batsman played a crucial role for Mumbai last season and could be a big factor in the remainder of the season which includes tonight’s game, followed by a game against KKR at the Eden, and then the playoffs.

Parthiv Patel

The wicket-keeper batsman has revelled in his opening duties this season and has played a few big knocks. MI have got a few good starts on the back of Patel’s contributions. If he could get past Sandeep Sharma’s opening spell, the pocket-sized batsman could cause some worry in the Punjab camp.

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana has been the find of the tournament for Mumbai Indians, a revelation of sorts. Although the runs have dried up in the last few games, the 23-year old has been a man on a mission and has more made up for Rohit Sharma's lack of form.

 

Rohit Sharma

The flair and flamboyance of hitman from last the season was largely missed this season until the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sharma scored a 45-ball 67, hitting six fours and 2 sixes. What was special about the captain’s knock was that no other batsman looked comfortable batting on a two-paced wicket on that day.

Kieron Pollard

The West Indian has been in decent touch this season for with some crucial contributions in crunch games. Pollard hammered 63 in 35 balls against Delhi, with four sixes to propel his side beyond 200.

Hardik Pandya

The Pandya brothers have been sensational this season.  While Krunal is out injured, Hardik has been a more than decent finisher for Mumbai. His crucial runs towards the end have been very significant for the Mumbai Indians.

Karn Sharma

Krunal Pandya's replacement, Karn Sharma has churned in quite a few important outings including an impressive spell of 3/11 in the game against Delhi, and a decent 0/19 against Hyderabad.

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan had his best outing of the season with figures of 3/22 in their game against Delhi. Against Hyderabad, Harbhajan was very economical as has been the case right through the season. He has never allowed the batsmen to dominate him.

Mitchell McClenaghan

The Kiwi bowler has enjoyed success on the seamer-friendly wickets this IPL. McClenaghan will be eager to get as many early wickets as possible against Punjab after taking a wicket each in the last two games of MI.

Jasprit Bumrah

The death over specialist, Jasprit Bumrah has consistently delivered at the end of the innings. Bumrah's super over performance against Gujarat won him many admirers.

Lasith Malinga

Benched after a few lacklustre performances in the middle of the tournament, Malinga came back stronger. He still bowls those cunning yorkers but unfortunately, the batsmen have found ways of tackling him.