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Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are currently at seventh and fifth positions respectively, on eight points each. Mumbai's middle-order has not lived up to expectations, which has led to three consecutive defeats. The Kings, on the other hand, have changed their team almost at the drop of a hat, and their only win in the last three matches came in a tight contest against bottom-ranked Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Mumbai typically retain the same XI despite defeats, but this time they had to make a few injury-driven forced changes. The likes of Chris Lynn and Jimmy Neesham have played only once each until now. The forms of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are a concern. Both men had a terrific 2020, but have failed to convert the starts provided by Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock at the top.
Hardik Pandya finally played in the last match last match but did not bowl. His match fitness remains a matter of concern. Krunal Pandya has looked out of form as well, with both bat and ball, having just 121 runs amd 3 wickets from his 10 matches (21 and none in the UAE leg).
Their bowling attack seems stable, with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult supported by Adam Milne and Rahul Chahar. They were rattled by the Kolkata Knight Riders’ aggressive batting, but recovered well against the Royal Challengers.
Due to injury and changes in the squad, Punjab have fielded 23 players this season so far. Some of their decisions, including leaving out Chris Gayle in their first match of the second phase, have raised eyebrows. They played Adil Rashid and Ishan Porel just once before dropped them. Ravi Bishnoi found himself out of the XI before finally making a comeback in the last match. They also dropped Fabian Allen after one match where he faced the last ball of the match and did not bowl.
Their opening combinations of K.L. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, with bat, and Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh, with ball, are the only settled part of the squad. They should back Gayle, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran at Nos. 3 to 5. Shahrukh Khan has not got a game despite being their big purchase in the last auction and may make a return at the expense of Deepak Hooda.
Harpreet Brar had a brilliant match-winning performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian leg, and can be trusted more along with primary bowling options like Shami, Arshdeep, and Bishnoi.
Likely XIs
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Keiron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.
Punjab Kings: K.L. Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Fantasy Tips
- Rahul has a good record against Mumbai Indians and is in good form
- Rohit and de Kock are the two highest run-scorers for Mumbai Indians
- The spinners may play a big role in the match
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
KL Rahul (vc), Quinton de Kock; Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Aiden Markram, Hardik Pandya; Jasprit Bumrah (c), Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi
