IPL 9, Match 17 Preview: Inconsistent Mumbai to lock horns with resurgent Daredevils

Unpredictability is a key factor when Delhi Daredevils face off against Mumbai Indians at the Feroz Shah Kotla on 23rd April. The Delhi Daredevils, who have adapted a youthful looking team this season, have managed to turn it around with successive victories following the drubbing they received in the hands of KKR. The youngsters of Delhi Daredevils are slowly but steadily stepping up under the guidance of Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan. Yet, it’s too early to call them as title contenders.

On the other hand, we have the Mumbai Indians having an extremely slow start has almost become a postulate. Not many are surprised with their mixed start in IPL this year, who bagged just two victories in five matches. However, their captain oozed confidence against RCB a few days ago, and it looks like MI have shifted up their gear just the right time. A battle between youth and experience, skills and brute force; Feroz Shah Kotla is all set for a cracker of a match!

Team News

Delhi Daredevils:
While the Delhi Daredevils collapsed heavily against KKR, their batting has drastically improved over the past two weeks. Quinten De Kock has continued his fairy tale story with the sub-continent pitches; who’s excellent century against RCB blew everyone apart. Karun Nair looked impressive against RCB, and Sanju Samson has looked great, but in patches. However, the big buys, Brathwaite and Negi, are yet to fire in the tournament.

The bowling department has been clinical, with each player playing according to their roles perfectly. While Zaheer and Shami will share the responsibilities with the new ball, Morris remains DD’s favored death bowler. Amit Mishra has proven time and again that he is a force to reckon with in IPL, and the leggie will surely be a crucial part of DD’s bowling strategy. The team seems to shape up quite nicely, and playing Mumbai Indians is the perfect test for this new-look Delhi Daredevils.

Mumbai Indians:
Mumbai’s big fishes are just getting fired up, and the coming few matches will show whether the defending champions are truly capable of defending their trophy. Rohit Sharma continues to perform well with the captaincy band on his hands. With their batting order nearly sorted out, thanks to Ambati Rayudu’s presence at No. 3, their middle order still looks shaky. Buttler has looked ordinary with the exception of one knock, Hardik Pandya and Keiron Pollard aren’t exactly the sort of batsmen one can depend on during a crisis situation.

However, with Krunal Pandya suddenly into the equation, the team looks devastating on the paper. However, the team is yet to translate it into substance, and would look to quickly sort out their issues with the bat. The bowling remains a forte for MI, with McCleanaghan easily fitting into Lasith Malinga’s shoes. Bumrah, however, is yet to replicate his World T20 success. Harbhajan and Krunal Pandya have been decent with the ball, however, Hardik Pandya’s poor form will definitely worry the captain. But considering their much-needed victory against RCB a few days ago, Rohit Sharma might not change the composition of a team which is slowly gaining it’s confidence.

Probable XI:

Mumbai Indians:

Rohit Sharma (C), Martin Guptill, Parthiv Patel (wk), Jos Buttler, Ambati Rayudu, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Mitchell McCleneghan, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

Delhi Daredevils:

Zaheer Khan (C), Quinton de Kock (wk), Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Mohammad Shami, Carlos Brathwaite, JP Duminy, Chris Morris, Amit Mishra, Pawan Negi, Shreyas Iyer.

StAttack
559 – Number of Runs Rohit Sharma has scored against Delhi Daredevils, the most by any player against the Delhi-based franchise.

37 – Delhi Daredevils’ margin of victory the previous time the two teams met at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Interestingly, these two teams met on this exact date last year.

Also read – IPL 9: Points table, Purple Cap, Orange Cap and fixtures