Mumbai Indians has quickly shifted into top gear after another slow start to the IPL. Thanks to a four-match winning streak, Hardik Pandya’s men have climbed into the top four for the first time since he took over ahead of IPL 2024.
On Sunday, they’ll aim to extend their winning streak to five by overcoming Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants. But the challenge won’t be straightforward. MI has yet to beat LSG in any of their last three encounters, and with LSG hanging around the qualification mark, the task ahead remains tough.
MI will rely on Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult to dismiss LSG’s key overseas batters, which would allow Jasprit Bumrah to shine in the middle and death overs. Mitchell Marsh has been consistent, Aiden Markram has gained form, and while Nicholas Pooran started strong, his recent dip could be an opening for MI.
LSG will bank on the top three to fire on a fresh Wankhede Stadium pitch.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI/ The Hindu
LSG will bank on the top three to fire on a fresh Wankhede Stadium pitch.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI/ The Hindu
LSG, on the other hand, will count on its top three to fire on the fresh Wankhede pitch – the centre wicket that will be used for the first time this season. For MI, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have clicked into high gear, making the opposition’s bowling attack look ordinary. If LSG’s leggies, Digvesh Rathi and Ravi Bishnoi, can contain them, they could tilt the balance in their favor.
There’s still uncertainty surrounding Mayank Yadav’s availability for Sunday’s game. Though the pacer was seen at LSG’s training session on Friday, he was absent from Saturday’s session.