IPL 2020: Final, MI vs DC – MI Predicted Playing XI

After 59 games, the best two teams are amongst us. The final clash of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is amongst the top two teams on the table. For the defending champions Mumbai Indians, this is a well-known territory, and they are in contention for their fifth title. Although, the Delhi Capitals are new to this world and are going to feature in an IPL finale for the first time in the history of the league.

The two teams might have made into the finals, but Rohit Sharma’s MI has an evident upper hand over their rivals, as apart from their phenomenal record in IPL Finals, they have also managed to defeat DC thrice in the current edition of the tournament already.

In their first meeting this year, MI convincingly chased the target of 163 runs with five wickets in hands, whereas they crushed Delhi by nine wickets in the second leg of the tournament. MI’s recent-most victory over DC came in the first Qualifier, where, after posting a daunting target of 200 runs on the board, MI’s bowlers managed to restrict DC 57 runs short of the target.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for MI vs DC

Openers: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (WK)

Rohit Sharma’s comeback has come as a massive respite for the frantic followers of both Mumbai Indians and Indian cricket. Although, with scores of 4 and 0, Sharma has not quite been able to find his rhythm. Given his skills and strengths, he would be itching to make an impact in the final act on Tuesday. Partnering him with similar intentions would be MI’s regular opener Quinton de Kock, who has had an eventful IPL and is currently placed at number five in the tally of leading run-scorers of this edition, with 483 runs at 37.15, in 15 innings.

Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya

Placed at the fourth spot and eighth spot in the tally for the Orange Cap with 483 and 461 runs respectively, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are having a golden run in the tournament. In the first Qualifier, too, both the batsmen slammed dominating half-centuries and played a pivotal role in taking their team to a winning target.

Alongside them is Hardik Pandya, who has been striking over 180 this year and has bludgeoned 25 sixes in 12 innings. After the dismissals of Kishan and Yadav, it was Pandya’s rampaging knock of 37 from just 14 that took MI to 200.

All-Rounders: Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s back injury has forced Kieron Pollard to bowl often this year. Though he has managed only four wickets with the ball in 10 innings, he has kept the scoring under check and has an economy of 8.85. With the bat, however, the muscular Caribbean has been on fire and has accumulated 259 runs at an average of 64.75 and a staggering strike rate of 190.44. Alongside, Krunal Pandya, he will be on his all-round duties.

Bowlers: James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar

Showing their unparalleled class again, the incredible duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult shell-shocked the Delhi Capitals’ star-studded batting unit in the last game. Giving them no respite, Bumrah and Boult reduced them to 0 for 3 within the first couple of overs, to give their team a smell of victory immediately after the second innings started. Between themselves, Bumrah (27) and Boult (22) have 49 wickets in 14 innings this year.

Though Mumbai went ahead with Nathan Coulter-Nile in the last game, it is expected that they will bring in James Pattinson, who, too, has been highly impressive with the ball and has bagged 11 wickets in 10 matches. The three pacers have been well assisted by the young and talented spinner Rahul Chahar, who, with 15 wickets at an economy 8.16 this year, is 11th in the tally of leading wicket-takers.