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*MI VS KKR PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Two unbalanced sides on paper, with two losses each are ready to clash at the magnificent Wankhede in a day game today. It could well be a matter of who commits less mistakes as two of the oldest sides are set to lock horns.
While there are several intense rivalries in the competition, it’s hard to call this one a face off of rivals given MI’s superior record over the KKR team, having won 22/31 against them. Whenever these two teams clash, the stakes are placed in favour of the Indians.
*SPIN TO THE FORE:*
In the latest concluded game at the Wankhede, spinners played a vital cog in the success of the teams and this could very well be a factor come todays game as well. Very rarely do we see the ball not turning, specially in a day game, let alone at the Wankhede where the slower type bowlers have a history of dominating. The teams could go in with a proper spin bowling core to keep themselves in the game.
*MI PROBABLE XI:*
Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(wk), Cameron Green, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Arshad Khan, Jofra Archer/Riley Meredith.
After missing out on the last two games for MI, Archer is expected to make a comeback into blue, strengthening the all phase pace bowling group which has lacked the bite so far. His back of length bowling could prove to de decisive against a batting up that struggles against short pitched bowls more often than not.
MI would want Surya to regain his lost touch while batting. After having recorded four ducks in the last 26 days, SKY’s horrid run doesn’t seem to be ending. A good knock under his belt, however should do him a world of good.
Piyush Chawla, the veteran, is expected to play a key role to keep the Caribbean power hitter quiet again. Russell possess a forgettable record against leg spin lately and in Chawla, MI have the perfect weapon to exploit this weakness.
*KKR PROBABLE XI:*
Jason Roy, N Jagadeesan(wk), Nitish Rana(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarty
A dip in form for the wrecker in chief, Andre Russell is a big concern for KKR. You expect your bigger stars to steup and rise to the occasion and KKR would hope that something similar starts happening from tonight. What has been the most disturbing fact about him is his inability to stay quiet against a negative bowling type and target the rest, reflecting how stubborn Russell has been.
With Gurbaz failing to repay the trust that KKR placed in him consistently, it’s time for Roy to be unleashed into the arena. The Englishmen was recently involved in a 240 run chase in the PSL and should gain a whole lot of confidence from that masterclass. If Roy fires from the top, KKR would feel a whole lot confident.
The spin trio, lined up together once again, should make life difficult for the batters. Given the pitch is likely to aid turn and with bigger boundary dimensions, I see a top effort sealing the fate of Kolkata.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR MI:*
Highest run getter- Rohit Sharma/Suryakumar Yadav
Highest wicket taker- Piyush Chawla/Jofra Archer(if fit)
*FOR KKR:*
Highest run getter- Nitish Rana/Rinku Singh
Highest wicket taker- Varun Chakravarty/Lockie Ferguson
*FOR THE GAME:*
Kolkata to clinch victory and reach 6 points on the table while MI slips to their third loss of the season.