IPL 2018, MI vs KXIP:5 player battles to look forward to

The situation for the defending champions is pretty clear. If they lose tonight’s game against Kings XI Punjab at Mumbai, then Mumbai Indians are out of this year’s IPL. On the other hand, KXIP now find themselves in 5th place after having lost three games on the trot and another loss tonight will see them on the verge of elimination.

Needless to say, it is a crunch game and one that both sides would give their all to win. The two teams have enough firepower to produce an unforgettable game and the ultimate result of tonight’s game will depend on some of the individual battles that will take place tonight.

Here is a look at the 5 most important battles that are going to have a huge impact on the game tonight at Mumbai:

#5 Suryakumar Yadav v Mohit Sharma

MI’s opening batsman Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the IPL’s standout performers and with a total of 473 runs so far. He is the all-time second highest run-scorer in an IPL season among uncapped players. His elevation to the opening slot has been a masterstroke from MI and considering the fact that Mumbai is his home ground, one can expect him to be one of the key performers for the home side tonight.

He will come up tonight against a bowler, who can be excellent on his day but has not had the best IPL so far this year. Mohit Sharma has played only 7 games so far and he is expected to play tonight, however, it is his economy rate of over 11 that is the big worry. He would have to deliver tonight and ensure that Yadav is kept quiet during the Powerplays if KXIP are to stall the MI batting effort. It is going to be an interesting battle between the talented youngster and the seasoned professional.