IPL 2026: MI vs KKR, Match 2 - Top player battles to watch out for

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. The five-time champions, who last won a title in 2020, come into the 2026 season after a finish in the playoffs in 2025. KKR, on the other hand, are coming off the back of a dismal eighth-place finish and a squad overhaul in the mini-auction ahead of its nineteenth edition. 

While both teams have absences in their squads, they still have stars who can decide the outcomes of the games.

Here are 3 player battles for MI vs KKR, Match 2 of IPL 2026

3. Finn Allen vs Trent Boult

While previously being part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad, it is in 2026 with the Kolkata Knight Riders that Finn Allen is expected to play a major role. Allen comes into IPL 2026 as one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format, capable of clearing the ball at will. He scored a blistering 33-ball century against South Africa in the semifinals of the 2026 T20 World Cup and is expected to perform similarly for the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Trying to stop his threat would be Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Trent Boult. The left-arm pacer is still a threat with the new ball and will be expected to keep his compatriot in check before he tees off early. Boult is yet to dismiss Allen in 17 balls while playing against each other. Allen has scored 43 runs in those balls, striking at over 250.