Mumbai Indians will lock horns with Kolkata Knight Kniders in an all-important match in the Qualifier 2 of Indian Premiere League Season 10 at Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today.
Mumbai Indians will look to regain the momentum after their 20-run loss to RPS on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will want to build on the momentum after their win over the SRH. Although Mumbai has won both the matches against Kolkata in the league stage, they cannot take the KKR side lightly.
Before the match starts here are the players to watch out for in the contest between the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders –
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma: The skipper struck some form but hasn’t been going well with the bat. Mumbai Indians have been inconsistent as far as their batting is concerned and that hurt them in the match against RPS too. But this time the captain should stand up and lead the team from the front. He has won two out of two matches against KKR this year. So this momentum is enough for him to take charge and get his team into the finals.
Lasith Malinga: The swing bowler hasn’t had a best of time in this year’s IPL. Against RPS he was economical. But he needs to pick up wickets at regular intervals like he used to do in past for Sri Lanka and for Mumbai Indians. If Malinga is back in his bowling rhythm then MI will be in another final of IPL.
Lendl Simmons: The West Indian opener is a perfect replacement for Jos Buttler but he will have to be consistent performer for his team. He couldn’t contribute in the match against RPS. He is a dangerous batsman and he should prove it against
Kieron Pollard: Pollard has been the selected in the team as an all rounder but his bowling skills have not been used by skipper Rohit Sharma, while his lacks consistency. He should step up and be the hero with bat and ball. As an all rounder Pollard should justify his selection otherwise he might fail to be part the team any more.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Gautam Gambhir: Apart from few matches, skipper Gambhir has been in good touch for KKR. In their last match, he was the one who guided his team to victory. His 32 not out was the match saviour for KKR. Now he should aim to repeat such performance and win the match against Mumbai Indians.
Sunil Narine: Excellent discovery by skipper Gambhir, now Sunil Narine is playing as a potential all rounder. First he was known only as a spinner but now he has been a terrific opener for KKR. Narine and Chris Lynn have given KKR some good starts while opening the innings. Narine also has a record of fastest fifty to his name. If he continue to hammer the new ball bowlers then KKR may have the chance to lift the IPL trophy again.
Nathan Coulter Nile: The Aussie pacer will again be the bowler in the qualifier 2 against MI as against SRH he was simply outstanding at the same pitch. He and other bowlers of KKR restricted the batting powerhouse of SRH for just 128. Mumbai Indians too are a batting powerhouse and KKR needs Nathan Coulter Nile to bowl such match winning spells.
Piyush Chawla: He has been the most reliable spinner for KKR over the years. He may go runs for some runs but the important part is that the he picks up wickets and he is the handy batsman lower down the order. Chawla’s four overs will be crucial.
