IPL 9 Match 1 Preview: RPSG's IPL debut as MI look to start their title defence with a win

The first match of the much awaited IPL 9 will kick-off tonight at the Wankhede Stadium between the defending champions Mumbai Indians and the Rising Pune Supergiants. While the Mumbai Indians are the current title holders, the Supergiants led my Indian skipper MS Dhoni will be playing their first IPL match. It will be a spectacle for sure as the MS Dhoni led IPL franchise will be eager to stake their claim in the context of the Indian Premier League. Team News Mumbai Indians Despite yet another IPL title in their kitty, the Mumbai Indians have indeed done a fair bit of shopping in the auction. Of the additions to their squad, Jos Buttler’s name certainly sticks out. Apart from his incredibly talented glove work, Buttler’s strong forearms will be the main aspect the Mumbai Indians will be hoping for. His amazing performances with the bat in the recently concluded World T20 has partially justified his auction price. The Mumbai Indians however, are facing a minor setback courtesy of the injury to Lasith Malinga. His absence would mean that Kiwi pacer Mitchell McCleneghan will be tasked with leading the bowling attack consisting of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. There will also be a battle of sorts to fill in the role of the second spinner. Krunal Pandya, J Suchith, and Kishore Kamath will be vying for the spot. Rising Pune Supergiants A new team, but the same old bunch of players. Even coach Stephen Fleming has come back to join up with CSK skipper MS Dhoni. While Dhoni will be joined by his former CSK teammates Faf du Plessis, Ishwar Pandey and Ravichandran Ashwin, the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Ajinkya Rahane will be playing under the Indian skipper in this edition. However, despite all that, all eyes will be on Kevin Pietersen. The latter has been living off franchise cricket ever since being left out in the cold by the England national side. Having played for a plethora of IPL teams, this will be the first time Pietersen will be under the leadership of MS Dhoni. It remains to be seen how the 35-year old performs in the IPL. Probable XI- Mumbai Indians: Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel, Rohit Sharma (C), Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Jos Buttler (wk), Hardik Pandya, J Suchith/ Krunal Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McCleneghan Rising Pune Supergiants: MS Dhoni (C & wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Faf du Plessis, Irfan Pathan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ishwar Pandey, Murugan Ashwin Pitch Conditions The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has always proved to be a belter. This time around, the wicket is expected to be batting friendly. As far as the Mumbai Indians are concerned, it will be business as usual as they aim to make the Wankhede a fortress it once was. Stat Attack 1. Ravichandran Ashwin has 188 wickets in 179 T20 matches, the highest by an Indian bowler. 2. Rohit Sharma needs 5 runs to complete 1000 runs as an opening batsman in T20s. He has opened the batting only 4 times for the Mumbai Indians.

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IPL 9 Match 1 Preview: RPSG's IPL debut as MI look to start their title defence with a win

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IPL 9 Match 1 Preview: RPSG&#039;s IPL debut as MI look to start their title defence with a win

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IPL 9 Match 1 Preview: RPSG's IPL debut as MI look to start their title defence with a win