IPL 2021 preview: Punjab Kings looks to bounce back to winning ways against a tough Mumbai Indians
This is the 14th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, currently being held in India. Punjab Kings is one of the three sides still in the hunt for its maiden IPL title. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians continues to be undisputed five-time IPL champion under Rohit Sharma.
FollowAs the Indian Premier League 2021 ventures deep, it is coming up with some twists and turns, be it any team. Meanwhile, Match 17 would see Punjab Kings squaring off against defending champion Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
PBKS continues to hunt for its maiden IPL title. However, currently placed at the bottom of the table, it does not look promising. Meanwhile, MI has had mixed luck so far but is undoubtedly one of the contenders to win and retain the coveted trophy this season. In the same light, we present the match preview for this exciting clash.
Current form
Both the sides have played four games so far. PBKS has managed just a win so far, besides losing the last three, pushing it down to the bottom of the table. As for MI, it has won and lost two each, while it is currently placed in the fourth spot. Nonetheless, the tremendous fightback shown by the other teams proved that MI might be the best, but not unbeatable.
Team combination
PBKS has a balanced side, considering the numbers in every department. However, considering the capped recruits, its batting is strong, while its bowling is indeed weak, as it needs to be more prolific, especially if it is to stop MI's exquisite batting.
As for MI, it is heavy in its bowling. With enough experienced lads in the bowling attack, it would be looking to make life more challenging for PBKS batsmen, as the tie expects to be an even clash with the bat and the ball.
Injury concerns
None of the sides has any injury concerns.
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Head-to-head
In the 26 games so far, MI has won 14, while PBKS has won 12. In India, 22 matches have been held between the two, with MI winning 12-10. It would be their maiden clash in Chennai.
Weather and pitch report
The Chennai weather would be hot, with a temperature of around 34 degrees and 64% of humidity. The track would again be slow, with the side winning the toss likely to bat first and a score of around 150-160 expected.
Probable XI
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Dawid Malan, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Fabien Allen, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammad Shami and Arshdeep Singh.
MI: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Chahar, Jaspirt Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Rohit, Mayank, Suryakumar, Shahrukh- Rohit is sure to give the start he is famous for, while Mayank can score at number three. Meanwhile, Suryakumar and Shahrukh are sure to consolidate in the middle.
Wicketkeeper: Rahul- The man is a no-brainer here, owing to his recent flawless form, making him the deputy skipper.
All-rounders: Hooda, Krunal- Hooda has been effective with the bat, while he can chip in with the ball if needed, while Krunal is the opposite.
Bowlers: Boult, Bumrah, Chahar, Arshdeep- Boult and Bumrah are must-have here, owing to their flawless performance of late. Meanwhile, Arshdeep has been the rising start with his pace, while Chahar has been impactful with his spin since the beginning, making the latter the skipper.
Match details
Date and day: April 23, 2021 (Friday)
Venue: MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium, Chennai
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
