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

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will be taking on each other in the 33rd match of the IPL 2024. The match is set to take place on the 18th of March 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur of Mohali. It is hosting the IPL for the first time in the ongoing season. Both PBKS and MI would be looking forward to the match given their position in the points table in the league currently.

Both teams have had a similar journey in the ongoing league. While PBKS is placed in the 7th position, MI is placed in the 8th position, just a spot below their opponents for the upcoming match. Both teams have played 6 matches, managed to win 2 and lose 4 of their matches. While both teams have a total of 8 points, PBKS' net run rate of -0.218 is better than MI's net run rate of -0.234. A big win for either team could take them to the fifth spot in the points table.  

Both teams sustained a loss in their previous games in their backyard. MI lost their match against arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings, by 20 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Punjab Kings lost to RR in a thriller by 3 wickets. While both teams have positive feedback in different regards, they would love to be back in winning ways. One can expect a good match between the two sides. The 5-time champions have a good set of players who form the core of their playing XI. 

Click Here: PBKS vs MI Live Score, Match 33

Here is the predicted XI of MI for the 33rd game of the IPL 2024 against PBKS:

Openers - Ishan Kishan (WK) and Rohit Sharma

At the top of the batting order, MI has two destructive openers. Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form in the ongoing season. The star batter has been one of the best WK batters in the ongoing season. The Southpaw can go bonkers at the top and give brisk starts to his side. It has enabled the batters coming after him to bat by taking some time in the middle. He has been good as a wicketkeeper as well. When on a song, he can change the momentum of the game in a matter of a few overs.

To partner alongside him, MI has the experience of Rohit Sharma. The star batter smashed a hundred in the recent game against CSK and showed what he can do against the best teams in the league. For the first time in 12 years, Sharma smashed an IPL hundred. The 37-year-old is in the form of his life and would be hoping to make the most of it. In the first few overs, he can take advantage of the field restrictions. In case of collapses, he can anchor the innings well. 

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

Middle Order - Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Tim David

In the middle order, MI has some of the most aggressive batters. At number 3, MI has the firepower of Suryakumar Yadav. In the last 3-4 years, he has been arguably the best T20 batter. Due to an injury which he suffered against South Africa in December, Yadav has been trying to return to form. As a result, he has registered two ducks in the ongoing league. But he can come good when MI will be desperate for a win. Against RCB, he smashed a 17-ball fifty.

To follow him, MI has the calibre of Tilak Varma. Ever since he made his IPL debut, the youngster has been highly impressive as a batter. He can smash some of the best bowlers in the world. If required, he can be handy with the ball too. MI has Tim David as one of their designated finishers. In the last few games, he has struggled to make an impact. But the Australian batter can fire if the team gets off to a good start. Against PBKS, he will be crucial for the visiting side. 

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

All-Rounders - Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nabi, and Romario Shepherd

MI has some of the best All-Rounders in the world in their lineup. They have Hardik Pandya who is the skipper of the side. The star player has been out of form both as a batter and as a bowler. He would be hoping to make an impact in the game against PBKS, which is very essential considering his chances in the national team. MI also has a spin-bowling All-Rounder like Mohammad Nabi. The Afghanistan player is highly experienced and can win matches on his own.

In the two matches he has played so far, the right-arm spinner has been good as a defensive bowler. With the bat, he failed in the game against CSK. He would be hoping to make an impact against PBKS. MI also has Romario Shepherd who can be handy with the ball. The right-arm medium pacer can bowl a couple of overs and take wickets occasionally. It is with the bat that he becomes dangerous. The West Indian batter can change the complexion of the game in a matter of a few balls. 

Bowlers - Gerald Coetzee, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Madhwal (Impact substitute)

MI has a good bowling lineup. Unfortunately, not every bowler in their attack has been consistent. With the new ball, MI has options like Jasprit Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee. While Bumrah is likely to deliver only an over in the powerplay, Coetzee might bowl two. In the middle overs, Bumrah and Coetzee might bowl an over. Shreyas Gopal and Akash Madhwal will be key in the phase with their wicket-taking abilities. Gopal can outfox some of the best batters in the world.

Madhwal can deliver yorkers and trouble the batters. He will be handy in the death overs with the skills. Mohammad Nabi and Shepherd will also be handy in the first half of the bowling innings. In the death overs, Bumrah has carried MI's bowling so far. Hardik bowled in the middle and the death overs in the last game. The supportive bowler needs to be better. Madhwal needs to be better with his line and length. As a unit, MI has a good bowling lineup. 

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

MI's predicted XI against PBKS:

Ishan Kishan (WK), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nabi, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact substitute - Akash Madhwal