IPL 2019 – Match 44: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – MI Predicted Playing XI

It isn’t one of those seasons for the Mumbai Indians (MI) where they would’ve been eyeing at a win every game at this stage of the tournament. The side played some great cricket this year and might have as well sealed a spot in the top four. However, they will surely not be content with this and will be looking for a spot in the top two.

The team has had a six-day break before this one and the players were released by the franchise. Hence, they will be coming back with rejuvenated energies as they take on the arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) next. The visitors have got a great record at the Chepauk and have already won a game against CSK this season. Thus, they will be very confident and might make a few changes to their side keeping the conditions in mind.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Mumbai Indians (MI):

Openers (Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk))

Rohit Sharma hasn’t got to a single half-century as yet in this edition of the IPL. He has been one of the most prolific run scorers for MI over the years. But one would get the opinion that he’s trying too hard at the moment. He is a class act and must focus on playing his natural game. Rohit will be crucial for his side on a track like the one in Chennai.

The upcoming encounter will be one of the biggest challenges for Quinton de Kock this year. The Proteas wicket-keeper is in great form and is providing the team with some lightning starts. But on a track that grips and turns, life will be quite difficult for him. Facing the likes of Harbhajan Singh at the Chepauk will test his quality as a player. Keeping won’t be easy either for him.

Middle Order (Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard)

Just the way CSK has backed Shane Watson, MI has been backing Suryakumar Yadav. There is no doubt about his current form. He is timing the ball well but has to work on his temperament batting at the crucial number three position. Yadav should be someone who will build the innings and stay in the middle throughout the innings. He is a good player of spin bowling and will be important in the upcoming duel.

MI might also bring Ishan Kishan back into the side for this match. The idea of having Ben Cutting in the eleven hasn’t really worked. Moreover, he hasn’t been as effective with the ball either. Hence, Kishan might make a better case to be in the side. Kieron Pollard will be the floater and they will look to use him according to the situation of the game.

All Rounders (Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya)

Hardik Pandya this season has been a complete revelation for MI. He looks a complete different cricketer and is hungry to perform for his team. He was the ‘Man of the Match’ the last time these two teams met this season. The side will hope that he carries on with the good form in the upcoming match as well.

In the next game, Krunal Pandya might bowl all his four overs. He is quite a clever customer and knows exactly how to adapt to different conditions. With the pitch offering turn and bounce, he might be dangerous. Krunal will also be important with the bat just in case his team loses one or two quick wickets.

Bowlers (Rahul Chahar, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga)

The Mumbai Indians might continue with the plan of playing both the leg-spinners in the side. While Rahul has been bowling extremely well, Mayank went for a few runs in the last game against the Rajasthan Royals. But both of them will be critical while playing in Chennai. They will need to work out on a few strategies about how they’d handle the dew.

Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga will be the frontline pacers for MI. The duo has been exceptional at the death. They will have a massive responsibility of keeping someone like MS Dhoni or DJ Bravo quiet at the death. Both of them have a lot of experience playing in different conditions and should adjust to the Chennai conditions very quickly.

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