Mumbai Indians looked one of the strongest sides on paper but have endured a frustrating campaign. Hardik Pandya’s men lost by eight wickets to Chennai Super Kings last time, have won only one home game, and have struggled to close out tight matches.
Ryan Rickelton has been the standout batter, with 297 runs at a strike rate of 177.84, but support from Naman Dhir, Will Jacks and the middle order has been patchy. With the ball, the team have regularly conceded more than 200 when bowling first, and Jasprit Bumrah has taken only three wickets in nine games. AM Ghazanfar is the pick of the attack with 11 wickets at 21.45.
Lucknow arrive after a Super Over defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders and sit near the bottom with two wins from eight. Mitchell Marsh (212 runs) and Rishabh Pant (189) have scored the most runs. Prince Yadav has 13 wickets at an economy of 8.06 and Mohsin Khan nine at 6.37, while the death overs remain a worry. Their record against Mumbai gives them some confidence.
