Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most successful and dominant teams in the IPL. Both teams have a different formula and philosophy for success and both of these formulas have been working for these teams over the years. But this is the year of the IPL after the mega auctions and everything is not as settled yet as it used to be. Especially for the Mumbai Indians camp.
Mumbai Indians have started IPL 2022 with a string of losses and we fear that the trend might continue in today’s game as well. After their core unit was unsettled due to the mega auctions and a player like Surya Kumar missing out, it is quite obvious that they were bound to see some hard times. But to their credit, MI have always found a way back and this time they will. But when and what stage of the tournament – well, that remains to be seen.
However, one of the biggest positives they will take from this is how young Tilak Verma has stamped his authority and announced himself on the big stage. He certainly looks like a bright player for the future and someone who is here to stay. The form of Tim David, whom MI have invested very heavily might be a little worrying but it’s just the beginning of the tournament and it won’t be right to panic too soon. And MI are not a side that panics at all, maybe that’s why they have won 5 IPL titles.
On the other hand their counterparts, KKR are having a brilliant start to their season winning two out of three games and showing how dominant and settled their team is. With players like Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins to join them soon, they will just keep on getting better. One of the biggest positives for KKR this season is how Umesh Yadav has performed. He has been the story of the IPL so far. Shreyas Iyer’s form and captaincy has also made KKR feel more settled. They certainly look like one of the strongest units in this year’s IPL.
Today’s game should be a good encounter with the match swinging like a pendulum on either side.
KKR vs MI Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
The MCA Stadium has always been a great surface to bat on. There is something in it for the bowlers as well. However, with the dew falling and considering that the teams chasing have won more games, the captain winning the toss will elect to chase first.
This should be another high scoring game and the weather is expected to stay clear. Expect another run-fest.
KKR vs MI Playing XI (Probable)
Kolkata Knight Riders
Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat
