IPL 2018: Match 9, MI vs DD - Mumbai Indians Predicted XI

Mumbai Indians (MI) are in a little bit of flux after losing their first couple of matches to start their season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. Interestingly, they’ve lost both of them agonisingly by just 1 wicket while defending the total. They will face Delhi Daredevils (DD) at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday in what is an afternoon game. However, Rohit Sharma and his men would love to open their account in the tournament against the team who are also yet to win a game.

Daredevils were hard done a bit by the interruption of rain in the game against Rajasthan Royals as they were unable to chase 71 in 6 overs. Even they would be itching to get on board this weekend but for that to happen they will have to breach the fortress of MI. The game is supposed to be an exciting encounter as both the teams would aim to register to win their first game. For now though the home side seems to be favourites on paper.

Here we bring to you the predicted XI of Mumbai Indians:

Openers (Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan (wk))

Evin Lewis showed what he is capable of in the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad and the team management would be expecting more from him. The Caribbean cricketer is known to bludgeon the ball and it is crucial for his team that he lives up to the reputation. A big innings is around the corner for the youngster and this game should be perfect for him.

Ishan Kishan has to open in this game as the skipper Rohit Sharma has failed to deliver in both the games which has put pressure on the middle order. Kishan, on the other hand, is opener naturally and has the ability to tonk the ball up front. Even the youngster would love an opportunity to open the innings and should aim to get his team off to a brilliant start.

Middle Order (Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard)

Rohit Sharma is better off batting at number 3 in this line-up who can hold the innings together. He needs to spend time on the wicket a little bit longer and then everyone is aware of his capabilities. It’s time for him to lead from the front and start winning games for Mumbai as soon as possible.

Suryakumar Yadav has played well in both the games so far in this tournament. He’s had to resurrect the innings both the times and he has stepped up to the task. It is important for him to continue in the same vein and hope to hold the forte for a long time if the top 3 fail once again.

Kieron Pollard should feel that he missed out on playing a defining knock against SRH last night. He was set and had middled a few lusty blows to the fence as well. The death overs was approaching which has been his forte more often than not. He will look to improve on his performance in this game and the Caribbean has to bat at number 5 in the line-up and he will be a completely different batsman.

All-Rounders (Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting)

Mumbai Indians is likely to play as many as 4 all-rounders in this game given the fact that Hardik Pandya will get fit for this game. They missed him badly in the last game. Hardik is an impact player with both bat and ball and its crucial for MI’s fortunes that he plays in this match and beef up their resources overall.

Krunal Pandya is yet another player on whom the hosts would be banking on to come good consistently. He was key to their fortunes last year as well. Krunal’s aggressive batting has helped them more often than not and his finishing skills always come to the fore whenever he comes in to bat. Moreover, his left-arm spin bowling is an added plus and exerts pressure with some tight bowling.

Ben Cutting was entrusted with a lot of responsibilities in his debut game in the blue jersey. He failed to step up with both bat and ball but is a far better player and should be given another chance. An improved performance from him is expected this time around as the Australian is a dangerous batsman. He can single-handedly win the games on his day and even with the bowl, he is a decent bet.

Bowlers (Mayank Markande, Mustafizur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah)

The purple cap holder Mayank Markande has taken this season by storm. He has 7 wickets to his name and had almost pulled off a victory for his team from a hopeless position. It was his spell that turned the game on its head as he continues to be a mystery to everyone. Though teams will be more prepared for him now and the real test for youngster starts from here on.

Mustafizur Rahman found his mojo finally with the ball as his exceptional penultimate over made Mumbai believe that they can actually win the game the other night. His slower off cutters kept the batsmen guessing all the time and was too good for the tail-enders. Rohit will just be hoping that he continues bowling in the same way and goes one step ahead as the season progresses.

What can be said about this champion! Jasprit Bumrah was magnificent last night and instrumental in bringing the Men in Blue back in the game. He scalped back to back wickets of Yusuf Pathan and Rashid Khan in the 18th over of the game which brought life into the match. Its important for Mumbai Indians that he stays upbeat throughout the season.

Here’s the MI Predicted XI for the game against DD