IPL 2018: Match 37, MI vs KKR- Preview Can KKR decrypt the Wankhede code for the second time?

KKR have won only one game at the Wankhede that back in 2012.

Published - 05 May 2018, 19:51 IST | Updated - 05 May 2018, 19:51 IST

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The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) record against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede has been abysmal as they have managed only a solitary victory in 2012 when Sunil Narine’s four-wicket haul guided them home. Rohit Sharma’s men are speculated to be the favourites, both due to their current form and their past record against the Knight Riders at the iconic venue.

Meanwhile, they can’t afford to undermine KKR, who have also been in excellent form on the backs of a couple of comprehensive wins against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Shubman Gill’s promotion up the order has worked wonders for them in the absence of Nitish Rana, who suffered a back spasm against Virat Kohli’s men.

Mumbai will go into the game after compiling a couple of victories against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). However, their horrendous beginning in the tournament means that they have to keep their winning momentum intact till the end of the league stage. The track in Mumbai has supported the batsmen and the bowlers need to bring forth their A-game to restrict the might of MI.

Toss: KKR won the toss and elected to bowl first

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Jean-Paul Duminy, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Two changes for KKR – Nitish Rana comes in for Rinku. Mavi is injured and he is replaced by Prasidh Krishna.

Team Combination

Mumbai Indians

Their batting performed well against Punjab and they are unlikely to make changes there. The only concern will be Evin Lewis’ form, but apart from that the lineup looks settled. It will also be interesting to see Rohit Sharma’s position. Hardik and Krunal have shown impressive form, which strengthens their lower middle-order as well.

The bowlers have more or less done a decent job as well. Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell McClenaghan will be expected to make early inroads into KKR’s batting. Ben Cutting’s off-cutters is also something to watch out for. The bowling prowess of the Pandya brothers also has to come to the fore. Most importantly, Mayank Markande’s four overs also and how he is used might just determine how the innings progresses.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The opening duo of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine won’t be altered. The only possible change is Nitish Rana’s inclusion in place of Rinku Singh. Shubman Gill deserves to keep the fourth spot after his match-winning half-century. Dinesh Karthik has also been effective with his breezy knocks down the order.

The bowlers are in for a stern challenge on a wicket which has peanuts to offer them. Mitchell Johnson was expensive last night and Tom Curran might be drafted in as his replacement. Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine, after an impressive day, will hope to replicate their form as well. Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Andre Russell are the remaining bowlers.

Players to watch out for

Jasprit Bumrah- Mumbai Indians

Bumrah has churned out a frugal spell on a batting strip in Indore and bowled as many as 11 dot balls. The Knight Riders’ batting is in good form and the pacer will again be expected to keep them quiet with his immaculate bowling. He will shoulder the responsibility in the powerplay and the death overs, and lead MI’s bowling plans.

Chris Lynn- Kolkata Knight Riders

Chris Lynn was erratic earlier in the tournament but has gained form as the tournament has progressed. After his Man of the Match performance against the Royal Challengers, he looked good against the Super Kings as well. The Queenslander might just get a wicket of his preference in Mumbai and hence, he has a chance to get the Knights off to a decent start.