IPL 2018, Match 9 MI vs DD, Preview: Hosts look to cease heartaches against lacklustre Delhi

Both teams have slumped to losses in their opening two matches.

Published - 13 Apr 2018, 19:38 IST | Updated - 13 Apr 2018, 19:38 IST

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The first couple of games have been equivalent to disasters for Delhi Daredevils (DD). They have been brushed aside comprehensively against Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. On the other hand, Mumbai have played brilliantly in patches, however, slumped a couple of times at the threshold of victory. However, considering the length of the tournament, both teams have ample opportunities to stage a comeback.

Delhi have a lot to ponder about as they are to field a settled eleven. Colin Munro is yet to find form. Maxwell played his maiden contest against the Royals, but couldn’t make the impact, he is renowned for. The bowlers were under the pump against Punjab when KL Rahul blazed away. Nevertheless, Shahbaz Nadeem replaced Amit Mishra and the decision paid dividends.

From Mumbai’s perspective, they need their skipper to lead from the front after their tantalizing slumps in their erstwhile games. The two sides will now be pitted against each other and quite expectantly, Mumbai are the favourites, simply because the Wankhede Stadium is the venue for the game. Meanwhile, Delhi need moments of inspiration to resurrect their campaign.

Toss: DD won the toss and elected to field first

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman, Akila Dananjaya

Delhi Daredevils (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Gautam Gambhir(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Glenn Maxwell, Vijay Shankar, Daniel Christian, Rahul Tewatia, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohammed Shami, Trent Boult

Team Combination

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians might employ a couple of changes going into their third game. Ishan Kishan might be promoted to open the batting with Evin Lewis and Rohit Sharma demotes himself to number three. Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard follow the top order. Hardik Pandya also might return after suffering an ankle injury against CSK. Krunal Pandya’s role with the willow will also be crucial.

The bowling would be strengthened provided Hardik returns. Jasprit Bumrah and Mustafizur Rahman were exceptional during the death overs, which almost snatched victory for Mumbai from the jaws of defeat. Mayank Markande remains to be a mystery for the opposition and him along with Ben Cutting has to be on top of their game in order to rattle Delhi.

Delhi Daredevils

Gautam Gambhir will return to the opening position. The middle order has plenty of youngsters in the Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar. Hence the responsibility will be on Glenn Maxwell to score the runs. Chris Morris’ attacking style of batting will be crucial for the visitors to propel the visitor’s score. Meanwhile, Gurkeerat Singh Mann might replace Rahul Tewatia in the eleven.

The bowlers performed decently against Rajasthan after their shoddy performance against Punjab. Mohammed Shami and Trent Boult hit the right channels pretty consistently, which got them a few wickets. Also, in the absence of Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, eventually, might get to a bowl. Colin Munro’s medium pace and Gurkeerat’s off-breaks also might be required.

Players to watch out

Mayank Markande- Mumbai Indians

Mayank Markande has been outstanding thus far in the eight overs he has churned out thus far in the tournament. The guile and trajectory of the leg-spinner have been hard to decipher for opposition batsmen. Delhi batsmen have struggled against the quality of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Markande has every chance to dictate terms yet again to an opposition.

Colin Munro- Delhi Daredevils

Colin Munro hasn’t had much to cheer for in the league. After getting out cheaply against Punjab, he perished without facing a ball against Rajasthan. However, bearing in mind his potential to find the boundaries with ease, he has every chance to strike form and Delhi would desperately want him to get the big shots going at the earliest.

Head to Head

Played 20, Mumbai- 11, Delhi- 9, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

Mumbai Indians have a win-loss record of 6-1 against Delhi Daredevils at the Wankhede Stadium. DD lost each of the four IPL games they played in Mumbai against the home side since 2013.

Gautam Gambhir’s batting average of 22.6 against Mumbai Indians is his lowest against any team in the IPL. (Min: 5 innings)