IPL 6: Match 41 - MI vs KXIP - Match Preview

Mumbai Indians are ready to host their fourth game of the season with Kings XI Punjab playing them this evening at Wankhede Stadium. Fresh from the booing controversy, a keen watch will be kept on the Mumbai crowd today. This encounter is an important one for both the teams, as they will look to snatch a win and move up the table in their quest to reach the play-offs. The former Deccan Chargers teammates will be up against each other as Rohit Sharma’s back to winning ways Mumbai side will be facing off against Adam Gilchrist’s hot and cool Kings XI Punjab.

Mumbai Indians are fresh from a dominating victory over RCB in their infamous last game at the Wankhede Stadium. Now, back to their winning ways after a few early hiccups, they will look to carry their winning momentum forward. Dwayne Smith has been a dream replacement for Ricky Ponting, as he has been the perfect man for them at the top with his quickfire knocks. The West Indian has hit consecutive fifties in the last two games.

Sachin Tendulkar, although not at his legendary best, has been chipping in with some useful innings as well. Their middle-order is heavily loaded with some in-form batsmen, including the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard. Their star-studded bowling attack led by Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga is hugely capable of running through any batting order. Dhawal Kulkarni’s 3-wicket haul in the last match has also opened a lot more options for them now. Harbhajan Singh showed glimpses of what he is capable of in the last game, dismissing Gayle, and of course with the ‘Bhagnam style’ celebrations after that dismissal. Pragyan Ojha was expensive but is expected to maintain his place considering his early performances. MI is holding the 4th place currently with 5 wins out of 8 matches so far.

Kings XI Punjab’s journey so far has not been that smooth. They were defeated convincingly by KKR at the Eden Gardens in their last game. Their batting has looked fragile at times with skipper Adam Gilchrist not delivering at the top. However, David Miller and Mandeep Singh have been crucial to all their wins so far. David Hussey and Azhar Mahmood need to start contributing more often than not if they are looking to go all the way. Gurkeerat Singh is crucial at the death overs with his useful cameos. Punjab’s bowling has been their weak link this year with Piyush Chawla and Parvinder Awana not doing too well. Praveen Kumar has to take the responsibility of providing them with some early breakthroughs. Azhar Mahmood bowled well in the last game and is expected to do the same today along with Harmeet Singh. They are presently holding the 6th spot with 4 wins so far from 8 matches.

Conditions:

The pitch at the Wankhede stadium has been placid in the games so far. It is likely to be a high scoring affair again with the pitch helping the batsmen to play their strokes freely. However, the true bounce in it might help the fast bowlers who are ready to bend their backs. The team winning the toss should look to bat first on such a flat track.

Key Players for MI:

Dwayne Smith: He seems to have solved the opening woes of the Mumbai side with his twin fifties in the previous games. MI will again bank on him to give them the flourishing start at the top.

Rohit Sharma: MI skipper will be raring to go again after his unfortunate run-out in the last game. He has been one of the top scorers for Mumbai so far, and is expected to hold the innings together in the middle overs.

Key players for KXIP:

David Miller- He has been crucial to most of the Punjab wins so far. He needs to come up with his best performance today in order to give his side any chance against the mighty MI side.

David Hussey- This Australian right-hander has not quite lived up to the expectations this season. Hugely capable of turning the game around any time with his powerful batting, it’s about time he steps up to the occasion.

Probable XI:

MI – Sachin Tendulkar, Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Rohit Sharma(c), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Lasith Malinga, Dhawal Kulkarni and Pragyan Ojha.

KXIP – Adam Gilchrist(c/wk), Mandeep Singh, M Vohra, David Hussey, David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh, Azhar Mahmood, Piyush Chawla/Manpreet Gony, Praveen Kumar, Harmeet Singh and BA Bhatt/Parvinder Awana.