IPL 2018, Match 27, CSK vs MI - Mumbai Indians Predicted XI

The blockbuster clash is here. The tournament started with the game between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but the fortunes of both the teams have changed drastically since then. While the Men in Yellow are sitting pretty at the top with 5 victories after six matches, Mumbai are still in search of that elusive victory and are in a situation from where they have to win every game. However, it will not be easy for them to get past the experienced group of CSK who are in amazing form.

Mumbai lost the golden chance of getting their season back on track against Sunrisers. The performance from their batsmen was the worst of the season by any team so far as they failed to even chase down the meagre total of 118 runs. While only Suryakumar Yadav has been consistent with the bat, there are a lot of questions being raised on few players in their line-up who are still able to find a place in the line-up despite poor showing. It remains to be seen if any wholesale changes are made for this game.

Here we bring you the predicted XI of Mumbai Indians for the game against CSK:

Openers (Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis)

Suryakumar Yadav has been in great form this season and has been exceptional ever since he has started opening the innings. Unfortunately, the brittle middle-order has failed to replicate the same and his heroics at the top have been wasted. Though he needs to continue in the same vein and provide his team with great starts. he is the highest run-getter undoubtedly for his team with 230 runs at a strike rate of 129.21 which is brilliant.

Evin Lewis has blown hot and cold too often now and has to concentrate on being consistent. It is crucial that he lends support to his in-form partner and then go berserk himself. He needs to come to the fore soon for Mumbai to come back to the winning ways before its too late.

Middle Order (Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c))

Ishan Kishan’s reckless shot triggered the collapse against SRH while chasing the low total and he must have realised his mistake by now. It is important for him to learn from his mistakes. He has done well so far at number 3 but he has to make sure that he stays until the end and finishes the game. The wicketkeeping from him has been flawless as well and should continue in the role for the upcoming crunch gams.

The skipper Rohit Sharma is going through a rut which is the main reason their batting is struggling. He has only one score of more than 50 and that game was won by Mumbai. The time has come for him to score big consistently as the others are not able to put their hands up. Another failure for Rohit and the team will almost be knocked out of the season.

All-Rounders (Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting)

Krunal Pandya somehow has not been convincing so far as an all-rounder this year. No doubt he has been performing decently in both the departments, but that killing instinct is missing this time around. It is time for him to raise his game by one level and the team will suddenly start playing some different cricket. Hardik Pandya, his brother, has been extremely poor and has irked the coach of the team as well. He was handed with more responsibility with the bat this season and has failed miserably.

Kieron Pollard is set to be dropped after continuous failures. Ben Cutting might replace him in the team who can bowl and tonk the ball in the death overs as well. He was unlucky to be dropped after limited appearances and needs to be given a fair chance to get settled in the team. Though he will have to click right away in this game as an all-rounder and bring his ‘A’ game to the fore.

Bowlers (Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Mustafizur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah)

Mitchell McClenaghan has been brilliant with the new ball. He has been taking wickets in the powerplay which is crucial in the shortest format. He has not been getting good support from the other end unfortunately with Jasprit Bumrah struggling big time this season. Bumrah has been going for a lot of runs and has failed to nail his yorkers. It is imperative that he finds his mojo soon enough and come back in his old sensational form.

Mayank Markande has been magnificent with his variations. Sadly, the team has failed to award him with a victory. He is the purple cap holder currently with 10 wickets after 6 outings and has conceded only 7.15 runs per over. The team has to start winning now and justify the talent of the youngster. Mustafizur Rahman has been impressive with his off-cutters but he might be overdoing it. He has gone for runs in the death overs and has lacked pace variations in his spell. He needs to bowl well at the backend of the innings.

Here’s MI Predicted XI for the game against CSK

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