Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kicked off the 14th edition of the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As usual, the match had everything twists, turns, and a lot of cricketing action. While many predicted MI to win the match due to their past two years record, CSK this time came on top, winning the match by 20 runs.
MI were without their skipper Rohit Sharma for the match, and that reflected in the batting performance as the team could only get to 136. Although Sourabh Tiwary remained unbeaten on 50, he could not quite get support from the other end, which could have helped MI come closer to the target. This bitter loss yet again proves that MI’s slow-starting problem is still not gone. Although it is not the start of the season, it is still yet the first match of the second half of the IPL.
MI are currently placed fourth on the points table with four wins from right games. Knowing how good a side they are, the five-time IPL champions will find ways to bounce back. Their next match is against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday (23 September), and the team would love to have players Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya among the mix.
Here are the three changes that MI need to make to get back to winning ways:
1. Rohit Sharma for Anmolpreet Singh
Rohit Sharma missed the match against CSK as the MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene and management felt his knee injury needed more time to recover. Rohit’s absence at the top was felt as wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock had to attack from the word go. Jayawardene also said that Rohit will, in all probability, play against KKR.
If the skipper comes, then he will likely replace Anmolpreet Singh. The young batter looked decent for his 17 runs but could not capitalize on the start. And with the MI management certain on playing their skipper at the top, Rohit Sharma will open the innings with De Kock. The Indian vice-captain’s record is colossal at the IPL as he has so far scored 5480 runs at a strike rate of 130.51.
Also, Rohit’s ability to clear the ropes with ease has seen him hit 224 sixes. The short boundaries at either side of the wicket in the UAE conditions will suit his style of play more.
2. Hardik Pandya for Saurabh Tiwary
Jayawardene also gave a hint of Hardik Pandya returning to the playing XI for the match against KKR. The junior Pandya was kept out of the match against CSK due to precautionary measures as he had a slight niggle. But he might return and may well bowl his quota of four overs. Hardik’s lack of bowling has hampered the team in one way or the other. But during the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, Hardik bowled returned to bowling, and did a decent job.
Pandya is also an X-factor player, and his ability to change the complexion of the game gives Rohit Sharma the batting depth. Over the years, MI have used him as a finisher, and he has not disappointed so far. The junior Pandya has so far scored 1401 at an astonishing strike rate of 157.24.
Hardik’s absence was felt during MI’s last match against CSK. But with him being back against KKR, MI will have more depth batting and bowling-wise.
3. Anukul Roy for Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya has not been in his usual elements during this season of IPL. The senior Pandya has been expensive with the ball in hand and has also not been effective with the bat. During the last match against CSK, he gave 27 runs in just two overs. Usually economical with the ball, Krunal’s line and lengths went horribly wrong.
MI can possibly think of replacing him with Anukul Roy. The 22-year-old is similar to what Krunal offers. Roy has been with the franchise for close to three years now but has only played one match. Although he is predominately a batting all-rounder, he has also done well with the ball in hand for the Jharkhand team in the domestic circuit.
from CricTracker https://ift.tt/3nPXRcU
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