IPL 9 Match 21 Preview: KXIP, MI look to find winning combination

At almost the half way stage of the tournament, the Kings XI Punjab have still not figured out the combination for their side. They have had their moments but could not convert them into wins. With just one win on the board so far, the Kings would believe that it is high time that their middle-order finally starts to fire. The case with Mumbai Indians is peculiar though. Despite having dominated the proceedings for most part of game in their previous match against Delhi, MI fell short by 10 runs.

The problem with Mumbai has been consistency. They have struggled to back up one good performance with another. On the other hand, KXIP are yet to find the winning formula. The Kings XI will lock horns with the Mumbai Indians at Mohali.

Team News

Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab must be happy with the way their openers have done so far, perhaps the only thing that has gone well for them. Manan Vohra has got starts and would hope to get a big one now. Murali Vijay needs to be consistent. Among the overseas players, Shaun Marsh is the only player scoring runs. Kings XI would hope for the big names in the middle-order to get among the runs. Both David Miller and Glenn Maxwell have had a dry season so far.

Mumbai Indians

It is very unlikely that Mumbai Indians will change their playing XI. The team that played the last game fell short by just 10 runs. And interestingly, it was the same team that chased down 171 against RCB. Skipper Rohit Sharma will definitely not like to change the team. Krunal Pandya has become a key part of the side and might well get promoted up the order.

Probable XI

Kings XI Punjab

Murali Vijay, Manan Vohra, Shaun Marsh, David Miller (C), Glenn Maxwell, Axar Patel, Rishi Dhawan, Mohit Sharma, Michell Johnson, Sandeep Sharma.

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma (C), Parthiv Patel, Ambati Rayudu, Jos Buttler, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Tim Southee, Mitch McClenaghan, J Suchith.

StAttack:

1. The Mumbai Indians currently hold the records for scoring the most 1’s, 2’s and sixes in IPl.

2. Glenn Maxwell’s 32 not out in the game against Supergiants marked the first time he remained unbeaten in 35 innings for Kings XI.

3. Glenn Maxwell last scored a half century in IPL way back in 2014 against the Chennai Superkings. It has been 25 innings since then and he is yet to cross the 50 run mark.

4. In the 16 matches that the two teams have played against each other, they are neck-to-neck with 8 wins each.