IPL 2024: Punjab Kings' strongest predicted playing XI against Mumbai Indians

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will welcome Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday, April 18 for the 33rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The two will battle it out at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Both teams put up a spirited fight in the tournament but have had an inconsistent run so far. 

Punjab lost by three wickets in their last encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR). They fought hard while defeating a moderate yet competitive target on a sluggish track. However, Shimron Hetmyer held his nerve to deliver another final over heartbreak for PBKS. Currently, the hosts are seventh in the points table with two wins from six matches. 

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya's MI lost their recent match against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 20 runs and are currently placed eighth in the standings. Mullanpur looks set to host an interesting affair as both sides aim to get back on the winning track.

Click Here: PBKS vs MI Live Score, Match 33

Here's the probable playing XI for PBKS versus MI IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan/Atharva Taide

Punjab had high hopes for the opening pair of Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan. But it is fair to say that the two have so far put in a below-par performance. Bairstow is known for his aggressive batting and scores big runs. However, the Englishman was kept quiet by the opposition bowlers for most of the tournament.

Dhawan, who has been modest so far, was sidelined in the last match due to injury and Sam Curran led the team in his absence. There is no confirmation of his availability for the upcoming match. Dhawan was replaced by Atharva Taide in the opening slot and he may get another chance if the former does not fully recover.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs - Orange Cap Updated List 

Middle-order: Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Shashank Singh

Barring a few cameos, Prabhsimran Singh hasn't been a standout so far this season. He is an attacking batter but has always failed to capitalize on the starts he gets. PBKS will surely expect more contributions from the number three batter in the remaining matches. Jitesh Sharma's story is no different. The wicket-keeper batter has played effective knocks in a few matches, but it hasn't given the franchise the desired results.

Shashank Singh is the backbone of the PBKS batting unit. It's not a proud declaration for the franchise given the batting position of 'mistaken identity', but it's the truth. The right-hander single-handedly won a match against Gujarat Titans (GT) and almost pulled off another against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with some sensational knocks. Shashank will also get assistance from impact player Ashutosh Sharma. The youngster is in furious form and when teamed up with Shashank it makes for a dangerous combo.

Also Check: Punjab vs Mumbai, Match 31 - MPL Opinio Prediction

All-rounders: Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone

Sam Curran led the team in the match against RR in Dhawan's absence. If the veteran opener misses out in the upcoming match as well, the English all-rounder will continue in his role. Curran was impressive with the ball in the last match, picking up two wickets for 25 runs, but he struggled to find runs with the bat.

Liam Livingstone returned to the side in the last match. The power-hitter smacked two fours and a six to score 21 off 14 balls and also grabbed a wicket. He was sent down the order which casts doubt on the right-hander's effective utilisation. PBKS might send him at number four or five against MI to get his complete service.

Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada

Harpreet Brar will lead Punjab's spin attack. The left-arm spinner had a poor outing against SRH where he conceded 48 runs without a wicket in four overs. But despite failing to take a wicket in the last match, he was impressive in economy. Brar will also get help from Livingstone in the middle overs.

Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack which includes Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh. The Proteas seamer took two wickets conceding just 18 runs in the last match. Being the go-to bowler for PBKS, he is expected to play a key role against MI's strong batting unit. Harshal's poor form is a concern for the franchise. The right-arm medium pacer needs to step up his game to complement his companions. Arshdeep did not shine well in the last match but took four wickets against SRH. He will be equipped with the role of picking up crucial wickets and bowling economical in the death overs. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets - Purple Cap Updated List

IPL 2024: PBKS' Probable Playing XI against MI, Match 33

Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan/Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada

Impact Substitute: Ashutosh Sharma