IPL 2017 – Mumbai Indians Vs Gujarat Lions – MI Predicted XI
Apr 15, 2017 at 1:43 PM
One cannot ask for anything more from the Mumbai Indians, after a heartwarming victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The way they went about their chase after being reduced to 7-4 in pursuit of 143, it stood out as an exemplary effort. Not many would have given the Mumbai Indians a chance of winning the game from such a derelict situation, but being the champion unit they are, the mountain was scaled eventually.
Up next in store they have the Gujarat Lions against them. Now, however, they return to their fortress of the Wankhede Stadium and Rohit Sharma’s side has already ticked two wins in two outings at their home ground. Another productive outing against the Gujarat Lions will further cement their position at the top and could well give them a considerable lead in the points tally.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER:
The two sides previously met in the latter half of the previous edition at Kanpur, which was Gujarat’s home ground. The game though turned out to be an utter one-sided contest as the Mumbai batsmen were all at sea on a green track. The only positivity for the Mumbai Indians was the performance of a young man called Nitish Rana, who scored 70.
Needing to chase 173 to win the game, the Lions despite losing an early wicket got home with a little over 2 to spare. Suresh Raina and Brendon McCullum put forward a show of great power hitting as the Mumbai bowlers were decimated to all parts of the ground. Raina was ultimately named the Man of the Match for his knock of 58 off just 36 deliveries.
Recent form this season:
MI: W, W, W, L
GL: L, L
Talking Points:
Mitchell McClenaghan’s return to form at Bangalore was great news for the Mumbai Indians as the pacer bowled a superb spell against a top class batting unit. From the bowling front, things seem on point with no loopholes to be seen. Harbhajan Singh bowling economical spells in the powerplay itself have been another massive benefit for Mumbai.
The only worry and a big one for them have been skipper Rohit Sharma’s form. Sharma’s has struggled miserably so far with his scores reading 3,4,2,0. On all occasions, the flamboyant batsman has fallen against spin. It is high time that the experiment of using Rohit at 3 is stopped and the elegant batsman returns to his favoured opening spot.
MI Predicted XI:
- P. Patel 2. J. Buttler 3. R. Sharma (c) 4. N. Rana 5. K. Pollard 6. K. Pandya 7. H. Pandya 8. H. Singh 9. L. Malinga 10. M. McClenaghan 11. J. Bumrah