The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is approaching its mid-stages, and we have already witnessed a lot. From umpiring howlers to super overs to last-ball finishes, this edition of the tournament has lived up to his expectations. And the upcoming tie between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab on April 10 (Wednesday) at the Wankhede Stadium will be no less than a spectacle. Both sides have talented players in their ranks to watch for throughout the season too.
Kings XI Punjab is currently on a roll with four wins from six games so far. They will be aiming to continue their good run with their top-order getting them runs consistently. The bowling has also done well with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the charge alongside Afghanistan’s Mujeeb-ur Rahman.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians are currently in the fifth and have been relatively inconsistent. However, their stars have started to deliver which will be a massive bonus for them. Alzarri Joseph, who impressed in his debut will look to keep up the good work and cement his berth in the playing XI.
On the expected lines, we have got a list of five players to watch out for during Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab game:
ALZARRI JOSEPH
On his debut in the Indian Premier League, Alzarri Joseph grabbed eyeballs with his scintillating fast bowling. The fast bowler from Windes returned with six for 12, thus breaking an 11-year-old record held by Sohail Tanvir (six for 14) of the best bowling figure in IPL.
He single-handedly broke the backbone of Sunrisers Hyderabad‘s batting to give Mumbai Indian two wins on a trot. With Lasith Malinga back, Joseph will have to shoulder the responsibility in the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
The young pacer will go against his countrymen Chris Gayle and will have the job to stop him. The big Jamaican has been in good form off-late and will be desperate to score runs for his Kings XI Punjab.
HARDIK PANDYA
Hardik Pandya has been through a lot in these last six months. From injuries to controversies, the young cricketer has gone through all. However, he has overcome that bad phase and proving his mettle for the Mumbai Indians in every game.
The Baroda all-rounder has been outstanding from the franchise in the lower-order. When on a song, nobody strikes the ball better than him, and it has been on display in this edition quite a few times. Pandya has chipped in with small cameos scoring quickfire 30s and 25s which has helped Mumbai Indians to finish on a high. The cricketer who boasts the Caribbean flavour is also very handy with his medium pace in the middle overs.
Rohit Sharma will want his favourite boy to keep up the good work ahead of the ICC World Cup.
KL RAHUL
After a slow start, KL Rahul has finally picked up gears which will be a huge advantage for the Kings XI Punjab. The Karnataka batsman can dominate any bowling unit on a given day and Punjab will hope he carries his form throughout the season.
Rahul has now scored two back to back half-centuries which will do his confidence a world of good. Also, he is timing the ball like before which will keep him in good stead ahead of the ICC World Cup. Moreover, amidst all the conundrum over the no four spots, he can be the perfect answer to all the worries.
Coming to the Mumbai Indians game, Rahul will have the job to tackle some quality pacers up front. It will be an interesting duel between him and Jasprit Bumrah, two good friends from the Indian National Cricket team.
MAYANK AGARWAL
Mayank Agarwal has been the best domestic cricketer in the last two years. On the back of some staggering statistics, Agarwal made his debut in Test cricket against Australia. He showed good temperament in the two Tests he played on those challenging conditions.
Hailing from Karnataka, Mayank Agarwal limited overs statistics are good as the long formats. He can play shots all over the ground and can clear grounds with ease. In the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he shared a crucial 100+ run stand with KL Rahul to take his side close to the winning runs.
Batting at one drop, Mayank Agarwal is an important stakeholder in that Kings XI Punjab line-up. He needs to score runs consistently if Punjab wants to keep the winning streak intact.
RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN
Marred by controversies, Ravichandran Ashwin had a poor start to this edition of the Indian Premier League. From mankading to bowling an extra ball in an over, Ashwin has faced all. However, the Kings XI Punjab skipper has overcome all and is leading the side from the front.
So far, he has picked up seven wickets from six games at an economy of touch over 7. With Ashwin gradually attaining his best, Punjab will be oozing with confidence ahead of their contest against Mumbai Indians.
The veteran off-spinner has a point or two to prove after losing his spot in the limited overs cricket. He will look to contain other Mumbai batting which has some clean hitters in their ranks.