IPL 9, Match 54 Preview: MI face GL in a do-or-die clash

The fight for the playoffs is very intense at the moment. The league stages have almost reached its culmination but there are still six teams fighting it out for the top four spots of the table. Gujarat Lions (GL) have done a commendable job this season. They were ruling the table for quite some time but wobbled recently but have got back to their winnings ways after their win against KKR. Going into tomorrow’s match, GL will seek to improve their net run rate and avoid a slip-up by losing. Mumbai Indians (MI), the defending champions, on the other side, face a do-or-die situation when they come out to play Raina & Co.  With 14 points from 13 matches, they just cannot afford to lose as a loss would mean their hopes of making it to the playoffs will be quashed completely.

Gujarat Lions:

The effect of their skipper Suresh Raina was clearly visible during their superb win over Kolkata Knight Riders. The skipper struck a match-defining half-century and would like to repeat the same against Mumbai Indians. Brendon McClullum and Dwayne Bravo have been off colors which will be a great concern. An explosive start from the duo can make the opposition nervous. The middle order has Dinesh Kartik, Eklavya Dwivedi, and Aaron Finch. All-rounders Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and will also have an important role to play. The bowling department looks pretty settled with Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni leading pretty well. It would be interesting to see whom Suresh Raina will choose among Pravin Tambe, Shivil Kaushik, and Shadab Jakati for the spinner job.

Mumbai Indians:

A thumping win against win against Delhi Daredevils would be a great morale booster for the Mumbai franchise. Everyone must put their best foot forward tomorrow when they meet the Lions in their own den. Batting-wise, they have been largely dependent on Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu. Both must be at their best tomorrow. Martin Guptill, Jos Buttler, and Kieron Pollard all have been among runs.  KKR had a difficult time dealing with Lions bowlers yesterday. Therefore, keeping this in mind, the MI batting unit must step up their games tomorrow or else must be ready to take the responsibility for the defending champions’ ouster from the tournament. All-rounder Krunal Pandya has been a lethal part of the team line-up as a batsman. His strike rate of 192.56 is currently the best overall. Going by the pitch which was on offer for the previous game at the Green Park, the pace-heavy bowling attack will enjoy bowling tomorrow. Mitchell McClenaghan, the purple cap holder, will yet again be the key bowler. Jasprit Bumrah has been a perfect partner for him and will look to take full advantage of the conditions.

Probable XI:

Gujarat Lions: Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Dwayne Bravo, Eklavya Dwivedi, Praveen Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shadab Jakati

Mumbai Indians:

Rohit Sharma (C), Martin Guptill, Ambati Rayudu (WK), Kieron Pollard, Jos Buttler, Krunal Pandya, Nitish Rana, Harbhajan Singh, Vinay Kumar, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jasprit Bumrah