The 12th game of Indian premier league will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals on 31st March in Wankhede Stadium.
Match Preview
The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have staged a strong resurgence after a setback in their season opener. A key boost comes with the return of Sunil Narine, who missed the previous game due to fitness concerns. His presence not only strengthens KKR’s top order but also adds a potent edge to their spin attack, making them an even more formidable unit.
KKR’s pace attack has fallen short of expectations in the first two games, lacking the incisiveness needed to trouble opposition batters. However, they will need a marked improvement in their next fixture, as any lapses could be ruthlessly exploited by MI’s formidable batting lineup. With power hitters capable of seizing the slightest opening, KKR’s fast bowlers must be at their absolute best to avoid being dismantled.
With senior players like Rohit Sharma and captain Hardik Pandya struggling for form, Mumbai Indians will be heavily reliant on their young batters to step up. Ryan Rickelton, who arrived at the IPL in stellar form, has yet to make a significant impact. However, expectations remain high, and MI will be hoping for a breakthrough performance from him to bolster their batting fortunes.
Before the tournament began, Mumbai Indians were touted as one of the most formidable new-ball bowling units, boasting the likes of Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, and skipper Hardik Pandya. However, their performances thus far have failed to meet expectations, with the attack lacking the sharpness and control needed to dominate early in the innings. MI will need their bowlers to step up quickly to regain their reputation as a potent force with the new ball.
Probable XIIs
KKR
Quinton de Kock (WK) , Sunil Narine, Ajinkaya Rahane (C) , Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raguvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakarwarthhy , Spencer Johnson , Vaibav Arora
MI
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickleton (WK) , Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Robin Minz, Namam Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Trent Boult , Satyanarayana Raju
Head to Head
Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians have clashed 34 times in the history of the IPL. Mumbai have dominated the head-to-head battle, securing victory in 23 encounters, while Kolkata have managed to triumph on just 11 occasions.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Wankhede Stadium has historically offered early assistance to fast bowlers, and that pattern is expected to persist. However, as the ball ages, batting conditions should become significantly more favorable. The red-soil surface will continue to generate extra bounce, providing seamers with an additional weapon even as the game progresses.
Prediction:
MI are expected to win the upcoming tournament
Where to watch
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Afghanistan: ATN
MENA: Cricbuzz
