2 weeks ago
40
Mumbai Indians (MI) are gearing up for a crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). The five-time champions are currently in dire straits, having won just three out of ten matches and placed second last in the points table. They will need some miraculous turnaround to feature in the playoffs.
KKR, on the other hand, have had a strong campaign so far, resulting in the two-time winners occupying the second spot in the standings with six wins from nine matches. One more victory will further cement their place in the last four and that will be Shreyas Iyer and his team's main objective when they take the field at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday (May 3).
This is the first time MI are facing KKR this season, but the two formidable units have crossed paths 32 times in league history. MI have the upper hand in their head-to-head record, having enjoyed victory in 23 of their meetings with KKR, who have won nine times. KKR are favourites this time, but MI are known for their comebacks and we might witness a riveting contest in financial capital.
Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: MI vs KKR, Match 51:
3. Rohit Sharma versus Mitchell Starc
Rohit Sharma. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Rohit Sharma has had a decent start to the 2024 season but seems to have lost his touch in the last three matches. The veteran opener, who has been giving a blazing start for MI in the powerplay, failed to touch the 10-run mark in the last three outings. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, he will be desperate to break this bad streak.
Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap
Interestingly, the key match-up against Rohit will be another out-of-form star, Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer has been getting thrashed by everyone so far this season and will be aiming to have an effective outing at Wankhede. The Indian skipper is vulnerable to left-arm pacers and Starc will come out with some menacing swing deliveries against him. Notably, Starc has dismissed Rohit four times in international cricket.
English (US)