The Mumbai Indians are in desperate need of a win after dropping their last three games. But, history demonstrates that they have won titles despite having weaker season openings. For example, in the 2015 edition, they lost five of the first six games and suffered defeats in their first four games, but they ultimately lifted the trophy.
However, it is unlikely to be the case for Mumbai Indians batting mainstay Ishan Kishan (4, 34, 16). Given that Kishan’s apparent rivals, Rishabh Pant (18, 28, 51 and 55) and Sanju Samson (82 not out, 15 and 12), have both put up impressive seasons, the MI stumper may be facing pressure to make the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Prior to selecting the team for the ICC event, the national selectors are anticipated to watch the first half of the league.
A few months prior, Kishan had sparked controversy when he cut himself off from the cricket community and declined to play domestic cricket, even after receiving clear orders from the BCCI and selectors. But, it appeared from the live footage of him speaking amicably with BCCI secretary Jay Shah following a recent IPL match that all is good between him and the BCCI.
But Kishan, one of the nation’s most important wicketkeeper-batters who was also included in the World Cup team the previous year, may be up against a deadline if he doesn’t have any impressive statistics to support his claims. Kishan tried to clear the fence at the team nets at the Wankhede for a considerable amount of time on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday afternoon, it will be a match within a match between Pant’s squad and the other team.
Kishan and Pant will be the main players in the duel, along with Suryakumar Yadav. The last time we saw the prolific batter in action was in December. He was the captain of India not too long ago in South Africa. The Mumbai Indians, who are currently winless, would be thrilled to have him back in the lineup after a more than 100-day absence. Naman Dhir, who has impressed with his stroke-making, could enter as an Impact Player as a result of his return.
In the meantime, Sourav Ganguly supported MI captain Hardik Pandya, who has come under fire from fans since taking over for Rohit Sharma as captain. “I don’t think Pandya should be booed by the crowd. That’s not accurate. He has been named captain by the franchisee. Rohit Sharma is obviously of a different class. That being said, everyone finds it easy to accept that Pandaya has been named captain. I believe that we all have to comprehend,” Ganguly remarked.
As part of their yearly ESA program, hosts MI will also enjoy the backing of 1,8000-strong throng of schoolchildren on Sunday.
When: April 7, 15:30 IST, Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals, IPL 2024
Where: Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium
Anticipations: Since the teams are at the bottom of the points table, they will undoubtedly want to get up the ladder. The Wankhede pitch will help the batting in this competitive match. Since it’s an afternoon game, the dew won’t matter, making the toss less important.
MI 18 – 15 DC, head-to-head. Mumbai has a stronger recent record against Delhi as well, outscoring them 6:3 since 2020. The Mumbai Indians had prevailed in their lone meeting the previous year.
Collective Eye:
Indians from Mumbai
Injury/Availability: With Suryakumar Yadav back in the lineup, the Mumbai Indians are ready to play at full strength.
Strategies & Matchups: Since Suryakumar is surely going to be available for the match, Naman Dhir might show up as an Impact player. To assault starter David Warner, their greatest scorer of the season thus far, MI may deploy Jasprit Bumrah for at least two overs on the power play.
Probably the starting XI are: Gerald Coetzee, Tim David, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya (wk). Impact Sub: Dhir Naman.
The Delhi Capitals
Injuries/Availability: Kuldeep Yadav is still questionable. He must pass the fitness exam. Mukesh Yadav may also not be available.
Strategies & Matchups: With the fastest List A hundred, Jake Fraser McGurk, a fellow countryman, may start for the Delhi Capitals in place of Mitchell Marsh. Due to Kuldeep’s unavailability, they are disadvantaged and might deploy Axar Patel for his entire four-over allotment, something they did not do in their previous matchup with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Rishabh Pant (C & wk), Mitchell Marsh/Jake Fraser McGurk, Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, and Tristan Stubbs are the likely members of the starting XI. Impact sub: Porel Abhishek
What they expressed:
“Surya can be reached. He has arrived at the camp. I’m not sure what I choose. It’s a managerial choice. I’ll get ready for the upcoming match. I am not aware of selection at this time.” – Naman Dhir regarding his potential usage as an impact player during the game
Mumbai is a strong team. We also make a strong team. We’ve defeated Chennai in one of our games. Mumbai has a wonderful history as a franchise, thus we anticipate them to perform well. You anticipate strong play from them because they have some excellent players. However, T20 is set up in a way that occasionally puts you in a position where you have to figure out how to win back after losing a few games. We thus anticipate strong play from them. This is both their residence and one of Mumbai’s best cricket grounds. Therefore, we anticipate that they will play well, and tomorrow’s game will be exciting. Director of the DC team Sourav Ganguly said of the Mumbai Indians, “We’ll compete.”
