IPL 2021: Match 17 - Mumbai Indians (MI) Predicted Playing XI against Punjab Kings (PBKS)

It is a battle of five titles versus none. KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings are no match to the mighty Mumbai Indians, and yet, they have only two wins lesser than their rivals on a head-to-head account in the league’s history. The Kings have won 12 to Indians’ 14 wins in the 26 IPL face-offs so far.

Their four-run win over Rajasthan Royals seems a thing of the past and in this encounter, Rahul’s men enter with three consecutive and all comprehensive defeats. Their opponents on 23rd April, have not been at their dominating best, winning two and losing as many in their Chennai leg of the tournament.

Mumbai Indians will shift their base to Delhi after this encounter and leaving Chennai on a winning note will certainly be on their minds. Which eleven players will they need for that?

Here’s the Predicted Playing XI of Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2021 Match 17:

Openers – Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock

Rohit Sharma has not been able to set alight the IPL with any of his big-hitting knocks thus far. He has got a couple of scores in the forties but he is yet to capitalize upon them, much like most MI’s middle-order batsmen. He struck three fours and as many sixes in a quick-fire 44-run knock against Delhi Capitals, although he perished just when it seemed he would take off.

Quinton de Kock has struggled to make a mark too. He edged a slower deliver behind in the previous game to depart for a 4-ball 2. Against Hyderabad, he got into his elements but was tied down due to a lack of support from the other end. He would be just as desperate to make a move on finish the first leg on a high before flying for Delhi.

Middle-order – Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan

Thrice in a row has Suryakumar Yadav made an impression that it is going to be his game but he has failed to bank upon it later. He struck four boundaries in a 15-ball stay against the Capitals, but his 24 was another failed start.

Ishan Kishan has his own problem of getting dismissed in the twenties. He labored his way to 12 runs in a 21-ball inning, which had no boundary, against Hyderabad, and followed that by a 28-ball 26 in the previous game. For two batsmen who have continuously impressed everyone in the league, both Yadav and Kishan have been underwhelming so far.

All-rounders – Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya

Hardik, Krunal, and Pollard faced 11 balls to score three runs amongst them in the previous game. While Pollard has still got something with the bat in the league thus far, both Hardik and Krunal have struggled, to say the least. Hardik bagged a golden duck against Capitals, while his elder brother could only last for five balls. In fact, Krunal is yet to score anything in double-digits.

Kieron Pollard bowled seven deliveries for nine runs and a wicket in the last game, while Krunal went for 17 runs in a two-over spell without any success. Despite such returns from their heavyweight all-rounders, Mumbai must be pleased that they have four points in the league.

Bowlers – Jayant Yadav, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

MI brought in off-spinner Jayant Yadav in place of New Zealand speedster Adam Milne in the previous game owing to the conditions and matchups. Yadav had a reasonable outing as he picked a wicket, giving runs at 6.25. Trent Boult, although, went wicket-less but his economy of under six was once again the highlight.

Much against what he is known for, Jasprit Bumrah bowled two no-balls in the penultimate over against DC, leaving Pollard with just 5 runs to defend in the final over. Despite not having the best day with the ball, he returned with figures of 1/32 alongside Rahul Chahar, who got 1/29.