IPL 2018: Match 23, Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Expectation vs Reality

Mumbai Indians find themselves in a familiar situation, that is, losing multiple games in the initial phase of the tournament despite having one of the most formidable lineups. The only difference here has been that they have been involved in last-over thrillers in all the four games they lost. However, they have shown that they can bounce back after multiple losses and actually go on to win the title in the past.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, started the tournament on a great note but received a reality checks in two consecutive games. Their pace attack still remains the best in the tournament but they will be concerned about their key weapon Rashid Khan going for runs in both the games they lost. The absence of Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order has also been a major reason for both the losses but they will also be expecting their middle-order to take more responsibility in such cases.

In the twenty-third match of the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the two sides will take on each other at Wankhede, MI’s fortress. The home advantage and the fact that they can capitalize on SRH losing two games on the trot will give MI the upper hand. We have some expectations, do you too?

Sandeep or Sid Kaul to take over

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out for the match. Rashid Khan has been off-colour in two consecutive games, probably because the batsmen have decoded him and have started to read him better. Mumbai will not be far behind if that is the case considering they are the most effective in tactic and strategy making team. Sandeep Sharma is likely to make it into the Playing XI for Bhuvi.

In that case, Sandeep and Kaul will have to step up. Expect Billy Stanlake to play a major role but the impact of Indian pacers spearheading the attack is preferable for any team. Kaul did with figures 2/29 when Bhuvneshwar missed out against MI earlier. However, it will be a factor SRH will like to capitalise on to start their mandatory comeback campaign.

Evin Lewis to step up

The Trinidadian showed what he was capable of against Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore wherein he scored 48 and 65 respectively. That was against relatively weaker bowling attacks. However, he was dismissed for a duck against Rajasthan Royals but if he has already understood and imbibed the Mumbai Indians’ fighting tendency, he will know how important it is for him to contribute consistently.

Expect that to show against Sunrisers, a strong bowling attack, and for that confidence to translate in the remaining games too. If he is able to do that, he will do justice to the hype around him. The challenge will not be easy for him but seeing off the threat of Sandeep, Stanlake and then Rashid will give his team a big boost.

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