IPL 2018 MI vs KKR: 5 player battles to look out for in Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The Mumbai Indians won their previous game against Kings XI Punjab but that is only the start of their run of games that they have to win if they are to make it to the top 4 and today, they come up against Kolkata Knight Riders at home in another must-win game.
Considering their excellent record against KKR, Rohit Sharma would definitely fancy his team’s chances in this game but at the same time, the visitors are also coming off a superb victory against Chennai Super Kings in their previous game.
Both teams are filled with superb players and there are some excellent battles that will be in the offing today. Here is a look at 5 of the most important ones.
#5 Andre Russell v Mayank Markande
He is probably the most destructive middle-order batsman in the whole tournament and if he does get going then MI are going to have a very rough afternoon on their hands. Andre Russell is currently averaging 34.50 and striking at an astonishing 202.94, which is why his presence in that KKR lower order can often prove to be match-turning. He can take the game away in a matter of few deliveries and MI should be wary of him.
Although he is without a doubt one of the best power-hitters in the game and can deliver against almost all sorts, leg-spin is something that has troubled him in the past. Hence, his battle with MI’s Mayank Markande could well turn out to be a match-defining one.
The leggie is MI’s joint-highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps and has recorded a strike rate of just under 8 (7.93). His control and variety is going to be a challenge for him and would be vital for MI if they are to stop a vintage onslaught from Russell.