KKR vs MI: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report & more for Dream11 IPL, Match 5

Kolkata Knight Riders will play their first game when they step out against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.

Published - 22 Sept 2020, 20:37 IST | Updated - 22 Sept 2020, 20:37 IST

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The IPL is into its 13th edition. And for a league that has stayed relevant for so long, the development of some iconic rivalries within it is only obvious. If the CSK vs MI rivalry is mouthwatering and enticing, the KKR vs MI battle is not too far behind in stature. This was a defining rivalry in the initial years of the league as MI was led by Sachin Tendulkar and KKR by Sourav Ganguly. With the passage of time, both teams have undergone various changes. However, their rivalry still remains dear to the fans and both the teams have insane support in the league.

Rohit Sharma’s troops are coming in this game after facing a defeat from arch-rivals CSK. By skipper Sharma’s admission, there were “plenty of positives” for his team, however, he admitted that none of his team’s batsmen played the way Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu played for CSK. Despite starting with a loss, he looked optimistic. “Hopefully we’ll rectify those (mistakes) and come out smarter in the next game…” Rohit stated post-match. “We all want to start really well, it’s crucial in this tournament where momentum is important,” he added.

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, will play their first game when they step out against MI on 23rd September, 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The last time KKR won the title was in the 2014 edition. Ever since then, they have reached the playoffs thrice but have failed to make into the finals even once. Like most of their counterparts, their unit has also entirely revamped. One of their mainstays, Robin Uthappa, had been transferred to the Rajasthan Royals ahead of this season, and that means only two players – Andre Russell and Sunil Narine – are common from 2014 till date.

KKR, who finished fifth on the table on 12 points tied with the fourth and fifth-place teams in the last edition- might want to consider UAE as their lucky charm. It’s because they wrapped their hands around the IPL trophy when the initial leg of the tournament was played nowhere but in the desert. MI and skipper Rohit will look for ways to come out “smarter” in this game.

Pitch and conditions

The track in Abu Dhabi was slightly on the slower side during the opening game between MI and CSK. However, a closer look at the knocks of Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis suggests that hanging in there before breaking loose will certainly be advantageous. Much like the first game, there will be some grass on the surface that could offer assistance to the pacers before the spinners join the action. Under lights will be easy for batsmen and chasing should be the preferred choice. No expectation of rain but plenty of heat certainly.

Playing Combinations for KKR vs MI

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable XI

With the likes of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan, and Nitish Rana, the KKR boast a ballistic top-order setup. Add to that the experience of Dinesh Karthik and the lineup only looks more solid. With no Robin Uthappa, skipper Karthik might promote either himself or the dangerous Dre-Russ up the order this year.

KKR have invested quite much in youth and has secured the likes of Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi, gun pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav will look to make a mark after an unimpressive last season. The most jaw-dropping buy this year for the KKR came in Pat Cummins, whose addition has beefed up their pace attack.

Probable 11- Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik (C&WK), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Pat Cummins, Kuldeep Yadav.

Mumbai Indians Probable XI

Saurabh Tiwary’s act against CSK must have been pleasant for the franchise. Skipper Sharma got off to some start before throwing it away, however, the story for his partner de Kock was marginally better as he converted his start to a small cameo. The big guns – Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard – did not fire much with the willow, whereas Suryakumar Yadav did not last too long either.

Bumrah had a rare off day and despite bowling well at the start, he missed his mark against Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu as he went for runs. Pattinson and Boult got a wicket each at impressive economy rates, although the other bowlers failed to impress and restrict the opponent batsmen. However, these being early days, the combination will not be changed too much.

Probable 11- Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah