Published: Apr 15, 2016, 11:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 16, 2016, 08:09 AM (IST)
IPL 2016 will witness the clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and new entrant Gujarat Lions (GL) in Match 9 at Mumbai. MI have finally found success with their first win while GL are aiming to be the table toppers with two consecutive wins. Mumbai Indians will not want to miss this opportunity and carry on the winning momentum against Gujarat Lions (GL) as well. Rohit Sharma and co. looked confident and back on track showing what defending champions can do in their last match, while Raina will be taking this opportunity to provide the impetus for his side before he takes a brief break due to the birth of his first child. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians were unable to put up the performance that they usually do at their home ground against RPS in the opening match and this time around they will want to change the scenario. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 9 at Mumbai.
After their success, Mumbai Indians will look to continue with the same side with Parthiv Patel getting chance once again after his opening success against KKR. Gujarat Lions had made just one change keeping the young Ishan Kishan away and bringing in Shadab Jakati. With both teams possessing a strong side, the clashes will be worth watching out for. Here are some key clashes that could hold the grip in the game between MI vs GL at Mumbai:
Brendon McCullum vs Mitchell McClenaghan: The Kiwis’ clash is surely going to be filled with entertainment as the pacer will aim to get his former team mate out while the latter will aim to rip apart with his hard-hitting skills. McCullum might not have been to the best of his capabilities in the opening match, but he came up and showed what he possesses in the second. In hindsight, McClenaghan has already shone in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2016 and has continued his form for his IPL side in two matches played so far. This will be one cracking opening pair to vouch for.
Aaron Finch vs Jasprit Bumrah: There is no doubt Jasprit Bumrah began his journey through IPL and plays for the national side. But in the opposition camp is the world No.2 T20 batsman Aaron Finch, with the bat doing the talking for him as seen against RPS at Rajkot. Bumrah has not been impressive with the ball this season and if he continues at this rate in the league, surely Finch will get the best of him and easily get the task done for his side. With MI playing at their homeground, this becomes a crucial chance to prove his stance. While Finch will continue to do his task and look to continue the form as against RPS. With Mumbai proving to be scoring pitch, there is any possibility in this clash.
Suresh Raina vs Harbhajan Singh: Suresh Raina, a top-notch IPL player over the 8 seasons, is yet to show his potential in this league and his own team mate on the other side of the team, it could get slightly challenging to face Harbhajan Singh. Raina was found in a fix is previous match against RPS by spinner Murugan Ashwin and this time the tide can change with Harbhajan scalping an important wicket of Raina. But knowing Raina, he has always challenged his previous performance and bounced back to get better with his style of performance. READ: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 9 at Mumbai, Preview: Rampant MI face GL’s roaring challenge
Rohit Sharma vs Ravindra Jadeja: It is collision of Mumbai’s star batsman Rohit Sharma and Gujarat’s key spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit remained unbeaten in the last match against KKR and will want to continue to lead his team by example. Jadeja, who has been exceptional with ball in the last 2 matches will not want to leave the opportunity to attack the right-handed batsman, especially after the power-play. Rohit has remained the driving force for MI while Jadeja’s spin is enough to knock out the best of the best opponent players.
Jos Buttler/Kieron Pollard vs Dwayne Bravo: This could be a tricky situation for both teams with both champions battling it out or the English man and Caribbean’s DJ bringing the crowd down once again as witnessed in T20 World Cup 2016 final. MI will be happy to have found the perfect middle order crisis man after the show between skipper and him, leading their side to victory. But since Bravo also comes into attack lower the order, he will have to face the big man, Kieron Pollard. Bravo’s 4-for in the first match proves he can bring down the two key batsmen for MI, but if Buttler begins smashing around the stadium, he can remain unstoppable. With MI being Pollard’s favourite home ground, he will surely want to impress with those biggies that Mumbai are waiting to watch out.
(Shruti Hariharan is Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)
