On the other hand, MI went down to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their previous match. Their batting too collapsed, inexplicably from a good position. They find themselves at number four in the points table, with two wins and as many losses. Despite the reverse against DC, MI will be confident going into the clash against PBKS. They have been doing reasonably well, and just need to push their gear to the next level.
PBKS’ batting has been miserable in the last couple of games. They needed to make a few changes for sure. The Windies duo of Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran have failed to deliver. Pooran, in fact, has three ducks from four games. Gayle has not been able to kick on after getting 40 in his first game.
At the top, KL Rahul has lost his way a bit after a good start to the tournament. Mayank Agarwal has struck form but he needs to ensure that he converts his knocks into match-winning ones. Deepak Hooda and Moises Henriques will also need to be consistent to aid Shahrukh Khan, who has been impressive. The bowlers haven’t had much to do owing to the failures of the batsmen.
As for MI, they need their batters to convert starts. Skipper Rohit Sharma has got runs but hasn’t been as prolific as expected. Quinton de Kock is yet to strike form. Suryakumar Yadav has looked imperious but has been getting out a little early for MI’s liking. The trio of Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya will be expected to lift their game.
MI don’t have much worries in the bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have been excellent as ever while leggie Rahul Chahar has been highly impressive too. Off-spinner Jayant Yadav made a good impression against DC in the last game.
Predicted XIs:
PBKS: KL Rahul (C&WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Fabien Allen, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh
MI: Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Chahar, Jaspirt Bumrah, Trent Boult
--Renin Wilben Albert
