Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2016, Match 21 at Mohali: Likely XI for KXIP
Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2016, Match 21 at Mohali: Likely XI for KXIP
The Match 21 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI) may just be the first of must-win game for both the teams. Languishing in 8th and 6th respectively, both teams will feel win is certainly needed to stand a chance to finish in top-4. MI especially will have pressure mounted, being the current IPL title holders and having played 6 games already. On the other hand, home side KXIP have had a torrid season till now. They have lost 4 out of the 5 games, failing to score in excess of 150 thrice. None of their batsmen have shown any fight, with skipper David Miller and Glenn Maxwell particularly struggling to get going. FULL SCORECARD:Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2016, Match 21 at Mohali
While everything hasn’t been lost yet, a win is certainly needed for KXIP. They have particularly struggled in the batting department, with most batsmen apart from Manan Vohra and Murali Vijay not really in top gear. Shaun Marsh has been impressive, but the other two M’s, Miller and Maxwell have been disappointing. Their bowling also hasn’t been particularly great. With such an important game against MI at cards, we take a look at the probable XI for KXIP.
Top Order: The only area which has shown some promise, the top 3 of Kings XI have been particularly impressive. The openers, Vijay and Vohra have been decent, considering the state of other batsmen. Vijay has amassed 124 runs in 5 games, whereas his partner Vohra has 154 runs. Both the players have got off to starts, but have failed to make it big. For KXIP, they will again be key. At No. 3 comes the dependable Shaun Marsh, who has scored 113 runs in 4 games. Just like the openers, Marsh has failed to get starts into a big score, but the 2008 orange cap winner will be very important for KXIP.
Middle Order: Expected to be key for KXIP coming into this tournament, both Miller and Maxwell have been flops. With departure of George Bailey and Virender Sehwag, both the players were expected to take over the mantle of the experienced players. 50 runs in 5 matches for Maxwell, and 46 runs for Miller seems to tell a different story though, as they have failed dramatically. Yet, they will be hoping to redeem themselves by coming good in upcoming games.
Below them, Miller will probably give Nikhil Naik a nod over Wriddhiman Saha, just like the last game. Naik, 21, played decently in the last game, despite scoring at a strike rate less than 80. After him, Axar Patel confirmed his place in the side with a brilliant 17-ball 36 in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He has been one of the better bowlers in the side, with 3 wickets in 5 games along with few runs.
Lower Order: In the bowling department, Rishi Dhawan was played for Pardeep Sahu, but Sahu can be brought back looking at the consequences. Sahu had impressed with his leg-spin, taking 3 wickets in the first 4 games before being replaced by Dhawan in the last game. Of the overseas bowlers, both Mitchell Johnson and Kyle Abbott have been very mediocre. Johnson took one wicket in his two games, before being replaced by Abbott, who also has a solitary wicket in 3 games.
The Indian pair of Sharmas, Mohit and Sandeep have been particularly impressive, considering the struggle of others. 5 wickets for Sandeep and 4 wickets for Mohit prove their mettle, and they are expected to lead the bowling charge.
Kings XI Punjab likely XI: Murali Vijay, Manan Vohra, Shaun Marsh, David Miller(c), Glenn Maxwell, Nikhil Naik(wk), Axar Patel, Pardeep Sahu, Mitchell Johnson/Kyle Abbott, Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma
(R Narayan is reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His Twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)