IPL 2018: Match 47, MI vs RR - Mumbai Indians Predicted XI
Will Mumbai disturb their winning combination?
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The template is again working for Mumbai Indians (MI) dramatically. Much like they did in 2015, the defending champions lost the earlier matches and then came back stunningly to qualify for the playoffs and eventually won the tournament as well. They are riding high on confidence with victories in two consecutive games and the 102-run victory over KKR at the Eden Gardens has taken care of the net run-rate now. They will have to just win their remaining games and who knows they might just finish at the third place as well.
But their opponents for this game, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also in a good frame of mind with a couple of stunning wins over CSK and KXIP. Also, they had won the last ball thriller when these two teams met earlier this season courtesy Krishnappa Gowtham. The winning streak of one of the teams will be halted in this encounter and the defending champions have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd.
Here we bring you the predicted XI of Mumbai Indians for this game:
Openers (Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav)
Evin Lewis has continued to blow hot and cold continuously with his form in his maiden stint. But it is less likely that he will be dropped as he can take the game away from the opposition in a flash if he gets going. Also, his partnership with Suryakumar Yadav is settled as both of them have given key starts to the team up front. It will be important for Lewis to be consistent as Mumbai try to continue their winning momentum.
Surya has been in stellar form this season and has been constantly in the top 3 among the highest run-getters of the tournament. The move to promote him at the top of the order has worked perfectly but he should be aware of not taking things for granted and bat properly within his limits. Expect yet another power-packed performance from Surya in this game.
Middle Order (Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), JP Duminy)
Ishan Kishan is the most dangerous player of the team suddenly. His six-hitting spree against the KKR spinners was fiery and is likely to play the fearless brand of cricket from here on. He is being backed by the skipper and the team management and the confidence of the youngster should be sky-high right now. JP Duminy has done nothing significant so far in the last couple of matches and should keep his place in the side.
Surprisingly, Mumbai is winning easily without any contribution from their captain Rohit Sharma. Apart from a couple of half-centuries, he has failed miserably this year and would be itching to get back into his beast mode soon. No one will be able to stop the Men in Blue if he finds his groove. But somehow, he has found ways of getting out and has left the team in tatters.
All-Rounders (Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting)
The all-round ability of Pandya brothers has been a luxury for Mumbai from the last couple of years. Both are playing at their best now after starting their season slowly and are certainly a dangerous prospect to any team on any given day. The most important thing about them is the consistency which they bring to the table. Both bat in top 6 and then bowl their four-over spells picking wickets at will.
Ben Cutting has also come to the party and the decision to drop Kieron Pollard has worked wonders. The Australian was the one who scalped the wicket of Chris Gayle which paved the way for victory against Punjab and then the juggernaut has started for Mumbai. His batting also came to the fore in the last game and played a quickfire knock in the death overs.
Bowlers (Mayank Markande, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah)
Mayank Markande has really grown as a cricketer and has been brave tossing up the ball despite being hit for runs. He is calm and composed every time and doesn’t panic. It is important that the team continues giving him the much-needed confidence and in turn, he will give them more wickets with his magical bowling effort. Mitchell McClenaghan has also found his groove at the right time and he looks a different bowler in the middle overs. It is better that Rohit doesn’t use him at the death and use him up front only.
Jasprit Bumrah has also got better by playing more matches. He is nailing his yorkers perfectly and the slower balls are foxing the batsmen like a norm. His weird action still works in his favour and has been economical this year. He needs to add more wickets to his tally and clean up the position at the backend of the innings.
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