IPL 2022: Match 23 – Predicted Mumbai Indians Playing XI vs Punjab Kings

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are finding their ways to get back into the game as they’re yet to open their account at the IPL 2022. They’ve suffered four defeats in four games so far, and it will be an arduous task for MI when they face Punjab Kings in their next game on April 13 in Pune.

The only consistent player on the side, currently, is Suryakumar Yadav. He smashed half-centuries in both the matches that he has played so far, but both have ended up going in vain. Ishan Kishan had started well in the initial games but has not been able to work his charm in the past two games. Skipper Rohit Sharma will be all geared up to get the first two points on the points table.

Here’s the predicted Playing XI of Mumbai Indians for Match 23 of IPL 2022:

Openers: Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma

The power-pack duo of skipper Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will continue to lead the top order. The two have been successful in putting up a good score in the powerplay, and even beyond.

Rohit’s experience and Ishan’s skills are a deadly combination that will help Mumbai in starting the game on a high note. While the former handles the added pressure, the latter will have to act responsibly in the game.

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David

Suryakumar Yadav had a good outing in the previous encounter against the Royal Challengers Bangalore as he scored a 37-ball 68* to take his team to a par score. His innings included five fours and six maximums coming off his bat, and he will continue to play a crucial role for his side.

Tilak Varma’s performance has been promising in the competition. He has played some vital knocks for his team in times of need. He was run out in the last game and had to walk back without even opening his account, but once set, he can lead the game from the front.

Tim David is likely to return to the side, and replace the South African youngster Dewald Brevis. The Singaporean cricketer became the first player from his country to play the IPL. He’s a power-hitter and likes to play the finisher’s role in the game.

All-rounders: Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen

Kieron Pollard smashed a five-ball 22* in the game against KKR to take his team to a defendable total. He played his duty as the finisher that he’s known for, and proved why he was retained by the side. He was dismissed for a golden duck in the previous match against RCB, but the team surely can rest their faith on him

Another West Indian all-rounder Fabian Allen can help Pollard in the game, at the lower middle-order with his power-hitting skills. The Caribbean players are known for their skills with the bat and the ball, and Allen can stand up to that. He awaits the chance from the team to represent the side.

Bowlers: Jaydev Unadkat, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Basil Thampi

Unadkat made his way into the team during their recent encounter against RCB and went on to pick his first wicket of this season. He can also provide the important wickets in the final overs, and break the partnerships in making. His experience of having represented multiple franchises will come in handy.

Murugan Ashwin has been bowling economically for the past few games. He’s a genuine wicket-taker, but his propensity to concede runs can prove to be a costly deal for MI, if not taken care of.

Bumrah, as usual, will be a vivacious part of the team. But the concerning part is that he has only three wickets from four games, and all three came in the second game that they played. He has gone wicket-less in the rest of three encounters and will have to focus on picking wickets.

Like Bumrah, Thampi also has only three wickets in the tournament and all three came against Delhi Capitals. In his previous game, he bowled at an economy of 7.2 and conceded 29 runs in his spell, which included one maiden over. He will have to work on his strengths to start with the wicket-taking process.

Mumbai Indians Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (Wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Jaydev Unadkat, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Basil Thampi.