Both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) find themselves in a challenging position as they approach their upcoming match. With their focus primarily on salvaging pride, both teams aim to gather momentum before shifting attention to the T20 World Cup and the next season’s mega-auction reshuffle. As they navigate through a tough season, MI and LSG seek to turn the tide and finish on a positive note, showcasing their resilience and potential for the future.
Overview
This match marks the end of the current three-year auction cycle for MI and LSG, unless LSG pulls off a miraculous turnaround. Many players from both teams might be playing together for the last time. However, before the goodbyes, there’s a game to win and pride at stake.
If MI wins, they could move up from the bottom of the points table, depending on the outcome of Punjab Kings’ final game. On the other hand, LSG could climb as high as sixth, or even fifth, if they win convincingly and Saturday’s match between RCB and CSK goes in their favor.
MI has been in the spotlight, especially due to their pre-season leadership changes. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, the key figures, have faced tough seasons. Rohit has scored only 52 runs in his last six innings, with four single-digit scores and a difficult 24-ball 19 in his latest game at Eden Gardens.
Hardik has had a particularly challenging season with the bat, failing to hit a half-century in 12 innings. His bowling has also been inconsistent, with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.58. With the T20 World Cup approaching, India’s captain and vice-captain hope to deliver strong performances before heading to the USA.
Unlike MI, who struggled throughout the season, LSG had a strong start but faltered later. They were comfortably in the top half with five wins in eight games, but have since lost three consecutive matches, the latest defeat to Delhi Capitals ending their playoff hopes.
LSG’s top order has been unreliable, and their overall batting strategy has sparked debates about strike rates and intent, especially as many other teams have consistently scored over 200 runs. LSG’s scoring rate of 8.93 is the second-lowest this year, and their batting numbers across different phases of the game are concerning.
This match is between two teams at a low point, each looking to finish on a high note before a much-needed overhaul.
Team Updates and Key Players Strategy
Mumbai Indians : MI have fielded only two overseas players in their starting XI for the last two games. With this game being at Wankhede, they might strengthen their bowling by including fast bowler Gerald Coetzee instead of Naman Dhir. Rohit Sharma and Nuwan Thushara could be rotated as Impact Subs.
Expected Playing XII:
- Rohit Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (captain)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (captain)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Tim David
- Piyush Chawla
- Gerald Coetzee
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Nuwan Thushara
Lucknow Super Giants : Quinton de Kock has scored only one half-century in his last eight innings, with his highest score being 19 against DC in mid-April. This could be an opportunity to try Kyle Mayers, who hasn’t played yet this season. Ayush Badoni might be subbed in for Mohsin Khan when they bat.
Expected Playing XII:
- KL Rahul (captain, wicketkeeper)
- Kyle Mayers
- Marcus Stoinis
- Deepak Hooda
- Nicholas Pooran
- Krunal Pandya
- Ayush Badoni
- Arshad Khan
- Yudhvir Singh
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Mohsin Khan
Recent Track Record
Mumbai Indians [MI] :[ L , W , L , L , L]
Lucknow Super Giants [LSG] :[ L , L , L , W , L]
In the limelight
Hardik Pandya , India’s T20 vice-captain, brings a unique balance to the team but has struggled with his batting form recently. However, he has shown improvement in his bowling in the last few games. He’s been bowling with good pace and has completed his full quota of overs in three of the last four matches, taking seven wickets. This includes a match-winning performance of 3 for 31 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. A strong batting performance could boost his confidence and provide much-needed relief for the Indian team management.
Nicholas Pooran has been a reliable performer at No. 3 in T20 cricket over the past two years, scoring eight fifties in 32 innings. Recently, he scored his second-highest run of the season with a quick 27-ball 61 while chasing 209 against DC. He came in to bat early, in the fourth over, after a top-order collapse. Despite his success, there has been hesitation in promoting him higher in the batting order. LSG might want to reconsider his position to maximize his impact.
Pitch Conditions and Statistics
Mumbai experienced a severe dust storm and thunderstorm earlier in the week, but Friday evening is expected to be dry. The pitch, with its red soil and even bounce, along with some grass, suggests a high-scoring game. Dew might play a crucial role, making the toss significant.
Important Stats:
Key Matchups
- Ravi Bishnoi vs. Ishan Kishan: Normally, a leg-spinner against a left-handed batter isn’t considered a strong matchup. However, Ravi Bishnoi has dismissed Ishan Kishan four times, conceding only 30 runs off 32 balls. This success might be due to Bishnoi using the wrong ‘un as his main delivery.
- Jasprit Bumrah vs. Marcus Stoinis: Jasprit Bumrah is typically used for one over in the powerplay. If LSG loses an early wicket, Hardik might consider giving Bumrah a second over. Stoinis has been dismissed by Bumrah four times while scoring just 54 runs off 55 balls.
Team Performance
- Mumbai Indians at Home: Despite being below LSG on the points table, MI has the second-best home win percentage since IPL 2023, winning eight of their 13 home games.
- LSG’s Consistency: LSG has a good record both at home and away during the same period.
- MI’s Opening Pair: MI’s openers have the second-lowest average (26.2) among all teams this season.
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