Team NewsRohit Sharma nears Mumbai Indians return for must-win Lucknow clash
Rohit Sharma will make a final fitness call ahead of Mumbai Indians’ crucial IPL match with Lucknow Super Giants, with both sides in poor form.
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.
Wankhede has a red-soil surface with true bounce and good pace. Seamers can find swing and carry in the powerplay, after which the pitch becomes very good for batting. Short boundaries and a fast outfield produce big totals, and spinners get little turn. Dew in the evening makes defending harder, so chasing sides have a clear advantage.
Around 7:30 pm in Mumbai the evening should be warm and humid at 27–30°C, with partly cloudy, hazy skies and only a low chance of rain. A light sea breeze may help early, and dew is likely to arrive in the second innings.
Our preview goes with Mumbai Indians because of their home conditions and the form of Ryan Rickelton.
Lucknow Super Giants have won three of their last four encounters with Mumbai Indians.
A score of around 195–200 is considered competitive, and the powerplay often yields 55–70 runs.
Team NewsRohit Sharma will make a final fitness call ahead of Mumbai Indians’ crucial IPL match with Lucknow Super Giants, with both sides in poor form.
Team NewsHardik Pandya was not with the Mumbai Indians squad in Raipur before the RCB game, with his back spasm leaving Suryakumar Yadav set to lead again.
Team NewsHardik Pandya is reported fit to lead Mumbai Indians in Raipur, but Suryakumar Yadav may be unavailable for personal reasons, forcing possible XI changes.