IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders' strongest predicted playing XI against Mumbai Indians, Match 51

Struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) will host high-flying Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 51 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Shreyas Iyer's KKR are currently second in the points table with six wins out of nine matches. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Co. are also in second place but only if the table is turned upside down (3 wins in 10 matches).

KKR are heading into this game after recording an impressive seven-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC). On the other hand, MI have suffered a four-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their previous encounter. This will be the first time this season that the two teams will meet and Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will host the show on Friday, May 3.

For the visitors, both their batting and bowling departments look strong. At the high-scoring Eden Gardens, their bowlers managed to restrict DC to 153 in their last match. Considering the current form, KKR are favourites to win the upcoming clash, but can MI get back to winning ways in front of their home fans?

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Here's the probable Playing XI for KKR versus MI IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: Phil Salt, Sunil Narine

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine's ultra-aggressive approach in the powerplay makes them one of the most dangerous pairings in the ongoing IPL. Both of them have been giving KKR fiery starts in most of their matches and to some extent, they have been able to make the job easy for their middle and lower middle order.

With 392 runs at an average of 49 and a strike rate of 180.65, Salt is currently the sixth-leading run-scorer in the series. Narine, meanwhile, is two places behind his partner with 372 runs at a strike rate of 182.35. Notably, the Englishman scored a blazing 33-ball 68 in their last match against DC to give his team a comfortable win.

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Middle-order: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh

Angkrish Raghuvanshi did not get a chance to bat in the last two matches for KKR. The 18-year-old showed impressive signs in the initial matches and managed to cement his spot in KKR’s playing XI. Venkatesh Iyer’s batting position will keep changing as per the situation and the southpaw has been contributing his share decently.

Shreyas Iyer has yet to play a big knock this season, but the KKR skipper is capable of bringing stability to the middle order. He has played decently in the last three matches, including a fine half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The franchise failed to make the most of Rinku Singh's services this season or maybe they didn't want to because the top-order batters are in good form. For the same reason, Rinku the finisher did not get selected for India’s T20 World Cup squad.

All-rounders: Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell

Ramandeep Singh, who bats in the lower middle order, has been given the role of finisher. The uncapped Indian cricketer was remarkable against RCB, scoring 24 off 9 balls including two sixes and as many as fours to take KKR’s total past 220. He can also chip in with some overs in the middle-overs.

The KKR openers will set the stage and it will be up to big man Andre Russell’s duty to give a splendid finish with his monstrous hitting. Even if KKR are in trouble while chasing a mammoth score, the opposition will not be relaxed until Russell takes a seat in the dugout. He can also contribute effectively through fast bowling in the middle and death overs.

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Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Mitchell Starc is having a tough time in India and his form is a major concern for the team. However, the veteran Australian is expected to lead the pace attack in the match against MI. The most expensive player in the history of the league has added his name to the list of most expensive bowlers this season.

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Vaibhav Arora is the second pacer in the team. The right-arm pacer was impressive in the last match, picking up two wickets at an economy of 7.20. Notably, KKR will miss the services of Harshit Rana in the pace department as he was handed a one-match ban after finding guilty of breaching the code of conduct. Varun Chakravarthy and Narine will strangle the opposition batters by spinning a web in the middle overs. Chakravarthy was adjudged the Player of the Match in their previous encounter for taking three wickets at an economy of just 4. 

KKR’s Predicted XI against MI:

Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Impact substitute - Anukul Roy