MI, already out of playoff contention, might experiment with new combinations ahead of IPL 2025.
Overview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are now considered favorites against Mumbai Indians (MI), a departure from the norm. With MI out of contention for IPL 2024, questions arise whether they should prepare for IPL 2025 or persist with their best lineup. Resting key Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya seems prudent, especially with the T20 World Cup nearing. However, there’s merit in maintaining pride and providing tough opposition experience to World Cup-bound players, even if MI can’t make the top four. Regardless, KKR’s focus remains undeterred.
MI has historically dominated KKR, boasting a significant win-loss ratio, particularly at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. However, KKR’s recent victory at MI’s home ground, Wankhede Stadium, after 12 years, coupled with their strong performance this season, tilts the scales in their favor.
Currently, KKR is on a winning streak, aiming for their fourth consecutive victory and ninth overall this season. Achieving 18 points would secure their playoff spot. Nonetheless, failure to do so might introduce some unease in their remaining away games. Their priority lies in solidifying their playoff berth in this crucial home game to enhance their chances of a top-two finish.
Team Updates and Key Players Strategy
Kolkata Knight Riders : Maintaining a successful formula is KKR’s mantra. Their aggressive batting approach has paid dividends, and when it faltered against MI, the bowlers stepped up.
The only dilemma lies in the return of Nitish Rana. Should he replace Angkrish Raghuvanshi? However, this could potentially overload the team with left-hand batters, considering Sunil Narine, Venkatesh, and Rinku Singh are already in the lineup.
Vaibhav Arora seems the most likely candidate for a batting impact substitution.
Probable Playing XII:
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi/Nitish Rana
- Shreyas Iyer (capt)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Rinku Singh
- Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
Mumbai Indians : This marks MI’s first match post their elimination. While there’s no indication of resting key players, if Bumrah sits out, Akash Madhwal could fill in. Despite conceding 10.5 runs on debut, all-rounder Anshul Kamboj is likely to retain his place. MI’s comfortable win against Sunrisers Hyderabad didn’t necessitate an impact player, but Piyush Chawla or Shreyas Gopal could step in if required.
Probable Playing XII:
- Rohit Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (capt)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Naman Dhir
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Tim David
- Nehal Wadhera
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah/Akash Madhwal
- Nuwan Thushara
- Piyush Chawla
Recent Track Record
Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] :[ W , W , W , L , W]
Mumbai Indians [MI] :[ W , L , L , L , L]
In the limelight
As the IPL playoffs draw near, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pin their hopes on Mitchell Starc, a seasoned player with two ODI World Cups and one T20 World Cup under his belt. Despite being KKR’s costliest player, both in terms of salary and economy rate (11.37), Starc’s invaluable experience has proven beneficial for emerging bowlers like Harshit Rana and Arora, as observed during IPL 2024. His standout performance of 4 for 33 against MI showcased his potential impact, and if Starc delivers his best, KKR’s bowling lineup will be formidable.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, a key contender for one of India’s opening slots in the upcoming T20 World Cup, has had mixed fortunes since his century against Chennai Super Kings. Apart from his century, Sharma’s batting form has been inconsistent, with scores of 36, 6, 8, 4, 11, and 4 in subsequent matches, averaging only 20.45. This fluctuating form might be attributed to his altered approach in the powerplay, evident from his striking rate of 152.77. However, his recent string of low scores raises concerns, especially considering the dominance of other tournament openers against the new ball.
Pitch Conditions and Statistics
Anticipate a pitch favoring batsmen, although recent rain in Kolkata might slow down the outfield. With further rain expected on Saturday, the possibility of a shortened match or even a washout cannot be overlooked.
Important Stats:
- In IPL 2024, MI’s overseas players have recorded the second-highest bowling average (43.6) and economy rate (11.04), along with the second-lowest batting average (21.1).
- Rohit Sharma has struggled against Narine, being dismissed by him ten times in 25 T20 matches, with an average of 18.7 and a scoring rate of 107.5 against the spinner.
- Mumbai Indians (MI) have faced a setback in away games, losing nine out of their last 13 matches across 2023 and 2024, maintaining the lowest away win percentage (30.7%) among all teams in this period.
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