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

Mumbai Indians (MI) will be in a must-win situation when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 51st match of the IPL 2024. The good thing for them is that the match is set to take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. There is another positive for the home side - their head-to-head record. The five-time champions have dominated the two-time champions in the faceoffs. Despite that, MI would not fancy their chances to beat KKR in the upcoming match.

MI had a lot of contributors with the bat in the first five matches in the league. However, in the last five games, none of their batters has been consistent, barring Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera to a certain extent. If that is not enough, their bowling is highly dependent on Jasprit Bumrah. The opponents realize he is the threat, so they play him out, and target other bowlers to score runs. At Wankhede Stadium, the home side needs to give their best performance to stay alive in the tournament.

On the other hand, the only better aspect of KKR has been their batting. At the top, they have a reliant pair like Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. Lower down the order, they have great finishers like Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku Singh. In the bowling department, Narine has been the decisive factor in their success. Given the strength and performances of both sides, KKR would start as favorites. But the head-to-head record nearly evens out the advantage. 

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Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of MI for the 51st match of the IPL 2024 against KKR -

Openers - Ishan Kishan (WK) and Rohit Sharma

MI is likely to continue with the same set of openers. At the top, they have the aggressive duo of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma. Both would aim to make an impact at the start. The duo was good in the first five matches for the home side. However, in the last five matches, they have not been able to deliver the goods. It is a major concern for MI given the failure of other batters. If they can get off to a good start, everything falls in place. Even for the T20 WC 2024, Rohit's form is crucial.

Ishan is one of the most aggressive batters in recent times. Though he had the reputation of starting slow, the star batter has improved a lot as a batter. Even with the gloves, he has been good at taking stunning catches. The key for him would be to bat fearlessly without worrying about the results. Rohit needs to be aggressive. The experienced batter recently celebrated his 37th birthday. At this age, he is one of the best batters in the league and arguably in his best form. 

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Middle Order - Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, and Tim David

In the middle order, MI has a good mix between emerging and the established set of players. At number 3, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to continue as a batter. He has had a strange set of scores this season. In odd matches, he has failed. While in the even matches, he has batted well. Going by the trend, it could be his night. After him, MI has an emerging batter like Tilak Varma. The Southpaw can bat aggressively and anchor the innings. His versatility as a player is required for the home side. 

At number 5, MI is likely to give a longer run to Nehal Wadhera. In the last three matches, he had two good innings. Against RR, he scored 49 runs in 24 balls which helped MI to post a decent total on the board. Against LSG, he scored 46 runs in 41 balls and saved MI from a collapse. If required, he can bowl an over or two. Tim David is the designated finisher for MI. The star player has been brilliant in the last few overs of the game. His exploits have helped MI to post good totals on the board. However, he needs to be a bit more consistent in finishing the innings, especially on slow pitches. 

All-rounders - Hardik Pandya (C) and Mohammad Nabi

MI has some of the best bowlers in the world in their lineup. Mohammad Nabi and Hardik Pandya are two of the best all-rounders in the world, especially in T20 cricket. Both of them have not had a good tournament and would be hoping to return to form. While Hardik has been failing as a bowler and has not been at his best with the bat as well, Nabi has not been able to claim wickets. The experienced player has not been able to make an impact with the bat.

Hardik Pandya is someone who can bowl in different phases as a bowler. Even as a batter, he can bat anywhere from number 4 to number 7. The skipper of MI would be hoping to perform well in the upcoming games which is important for his IPL franchise and Team India. Mohammad Nabi has been good in different roles for MI as a bowler. While the Afghanistan legend has not been a wicket-taker, he has been able to control the flow of runs from his end. He has been underused by MI so far though.

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Bowlers - Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, and Nuwan Thushara (Impact substitute)

MI has a good bowling lineup on paper. But many of them have not lived up to the expectations. Piyush Chawla is likely to be the sole spinner in the lineup, as Mohammad Nabi will act as the second. Chawla has bowled well in the last couple of games. Bumrah would be the most important resource for MI. He can bowl an over towards the end of the Power Play phase and return for the death overs. If required, he can deliver an over in the middle overs to break partnerships.

MI is likely to continue with the overseas pace duo they had in the previous game. Nuwan Thushara brings a different variety to the attack. The right-arm pacer can swing the ball away from the right-handers and cause trouble. He has been one of the most exciting bowlers to watch out for. Gerald Coetzee has just returned for the side and might need some time to deliver in full throttle. There is a genuine concern regarding their bowling unit. Bumrah will be the key for their success.

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MI's predicted XI against KKR -

Ishan Kishan (WK), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Hardik Pandya (C), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact substitute - Nuwan Thushara