IPL 6: MI vs PWI: Mumbai Indians Preview

The Mumbai Indians began their 2013 IPL journey on a forgettable note, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in what was a nerve-wracking encounter between MI and RCB. But since then, they haven’t put a foot wrong. Winning two big matches back to back, they will be high on confidence going into their fourth match at the Wankhede where they start as clear favourites against the visiting PWI.

The Mumbai Indians boast of a batting line-up that is as good as any other line-up in the tournament, if not better. Having enjoyed a run feast at the Wankhede a couple of days ago against the Delhi Daredevils, the MI batsmen would be itching to have a go again. Dinesh Karthik is in red hot form, and is playing a cat-and-mouse-game with Kohli and Gayle as regards the ownership of the Orange cap. He is undoubtedly the most vital cog in the MI batting wheel at present.

Apart from Karthik, Pollard has been another key player for the MI. His all-round performance, including the all-important catch to dismiss a rampaging Dhoni, won them the match against CSK, where they were on the verge of doing what they did at Bangalore, throwing away another win. Rohit Sharma, too, found his lost timing somewhat in their last match against DD, striking at an impressive 150-odd strike rate to see them past 209. Rayudu seems to be clicking at the right moment.

The dream pair of Ponting and Tendulkar hasn’t lived up to expectations yet. Apart from a half century stand in their first game, they really have nothing to show. Ponting has been a disappointment with the bat, getting dismissed way too early by playing some rash strokes. Sachin has looked good at times, but hasn’t had luck going his way. The MI need better starts to improve upon their consistency.

Captaincy wise, Ponting has been spot on, although the optimal use of Pollard remains an issue.

As far as their bowling goes, they have been disciplined. After missing out on the first two games, Malinga joined the squad and has been on the money straight away. Harbhajan and Ojha have been tidy, though Johnson, save the first match, has been a bit wayward.

Even though they are one of the strongest contenders for the title this year, they have to be wary of Pune Warriors India. Having entered the tournament on a wrong foot with two straight losses, they managed to comprehensively beat Rajasthan Royals a couple of nights back. Expect a cracking encounter, with MI definitely having the upper hand.

Conditions

Wankhade has traditionally been a slow turner, and its seaside location means pace bowlers will get a fair amount of assistance, though the conditions are not expected to change much over the course of 40 overs. Nevertheless, the fixture promises to be another run feast like the one witnessed a couple of days back, with the ball coming on nicely to the bat. Johnson might get some assistance early on. It will be interesting to see if they opt to open the bowling with Harbhajan again.

Head to Head

Mumbai Indians lead the way with 3 wins in 4 games against PWI. Expect it to be 4-1. But with PWI striking some form in the last match, it could be anyone’s game.

Key Players

Dinesh Karthik

He is the man in form, and has been milking the opposition bowling from the word go. Coming in to bat at No. 3, he has been looking to make use of whatever powerplay overs are available to him. With two half centuries and another 30-odd score, he seems set to usurp the Orange cap yet again. He is easily their best batsman at the moment.

Kieron Pollard

The burly West Indian has been impressive with the bat, ball as well as his fielding. His all-round exploits won them the match against CSK. The only problem, however, is to ensure that he gets enough time to launch himself on the opposition. The MI have been time and again criticised for holding him back for too long.

Lasith Malinga

Back after missing the first two games, he was economical against RCB. But it is his timber-knocking ability, and not economy, that makes him special. PWI will have to do well to keep out his toe-crushers.

MI strategy

Win the toss and bat first. It worked for them last night in a big way, and there’s no reason why they should opt to do differently. They have to get their opening act right though, considering how frail they have looked at the start. Karthik holds the key. Their batting line-up is solid, but they need to ensure that Pollard gets a few deliveries to launch himself upon the opposition.

Possible XI

In all probability, they will go in with the same XI.

Ricky Ponting (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Rishi Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Pragyan Ojha, Lasith Malinga