IPL 2022: Match 14 – Predicted Mumbai Indians Playing XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are finding ways to make a comeback after facing two defeats. It will be an uphill task for MI as they face an in-form Kolkata Knight Riders in their next game on April 6 in Pune. They will look forward to standing up as the champions that they are to make a return in the contest.

With the likes of Suryakumar Yadav returning to the side, MI will have to make some changes to their top order. Also, their lower order will have to be fixed as the bowlers have conceded too many runs in the first two games. MI do not have a dependable middle order now. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma have performed well in both games, but the other players need to settle in quickly.

Here’s the predicted Playing XI of Mumbai Indians for Match 14 of IPL 2022:

Openers: Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma

Ishan Kishan will look to continue the form he has been in. He has scored two fifties in the two matches played so far, but they both have come in a losing cause. Kishan scored an unbeaten 81*(48) in the first game against the Delhi Capitals, followed by a 43-ball 54 in the second game against Rajasthan Royals.

Rohit Sharma was dismissed early in the game against RR and missed out on a half-century against DC. Thus, he will look to improve his game upfront when he faces the KKR bowlers. He will be required to stay there for long and provide as many runs at the top as possible.

Middle order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma

Suryakumar Yadav will make his return to the side after recovering from an injury. His absence has been felt by MI in the past two games, and with his comeback, the batting line-up will get the much-needed support. He is one of the most dependable players for the franchise as well as Team India.

The youngster Tilak Varma performed very well in both the games. He scored his maiden IPL fifty against RR before he was dismissed for 61 (33) by Ravichandran Ashwin.

All-rounders: Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams

Kieron Pollard can contribute with both bat and ball. After failing in the first game, he tried his best in the second but his performance was not up to the mark. He is a proven finisher and will be the anchor for the team when the top or middle order fails.

Tim David’s innings didn’t last long in both the games, but MI will trust him again. He is new to the team and might take time to settle in, but once he does, he can do wonders. Daniel Sams has not had a good time with either bat or ball. He has scored just seven runs in the two games so far, including a golden duck in the second game. He conceded 57 runs in the first game and 32 in the second.

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat, Murugan Ashwin

Bumrah remains to be an integral part of the team and as usual, will lead the bowling attack. After underperforming in the first game, he made an excellent comeback in the second one and conceded just 17 runs in his four-over spell, picking three wickets. The death-over specialist, Tymal Mills picked up three wickets against the Royals, gaining his team’s trust. He will prove to be a crucial player down the line and is expected to accompany Bumrah.

Basil Thampi might be replaced by Jaydev Unadkat as the latter can provide the important wickets in the final overs and break partnerships. He has represented multiple franchises in the IPL and will bring in a lot of experience with him. Murugan Ashwin’s first game was a solid confidence-booster for him. But he went wicketless in the second one and conceded 32 runs in three overs, but his skills might prove to be helpful for MI in times of need.

Mumbai Indians Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat