Match facts
Monday, April 25, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)
David Miller and Glenn Maxwell will have to hit form quickly, or Kings XI could be forced to leave one (or both) of them out © BCCI
Big picture
Mumbai Indians have managed only two wins in six games this season. A loss against Kings XI Punjab will leave them in danger of falling behind in the race for the playoffs. Mumbai, however, have the experience of recovering from slow starts. In the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Mumbai won only one of their first six games, but qualified for the playoffs on both occasions. They will be hoping for a similar turnaround this season.
Save Rohit Sharma, Mumbai’s scratchy batting form has been responsible for their failures. Krunal Pandya’s addition has bolstered the lower-middle order, but not much can be achieved if the top order continues to misfire.
Kings XI’s poor run has continued from the last season, where they won only three matches. David Miller, the captain, has made only 50 runs in five matches with a highest score of 15. Glenn Maxwell has fared worse, managing only 39 runs in five matches. Kings XI’s problems extend to their bowling attack as well. A lack of penetration has meant Kings XI have suffered four losses while defending.
Kings XI’s top three – M Vijay, Manan Vohra and Shaun Marsh – have been in good touch. Kings XI desperately need a win to drag themselves off the bottom of the table and they will bank on the top order to deliver.
Form guide
Kings XI Punjab: LLWLL (most recent matches first)
Mumbai Indians: LLWLL
In the spotlight
David Miller and Glenn Maxwell‘s form has been directly proportional to Kings XI’s. They have been dismissed in the same over in three matches. Miller and Maxwell will have to hit form quickly, or Kings XI could be forced to leave one (or both) of them out.
Jos Buttler has not yet lived up to Mumbai’s expectations after he was bought for INR 3.8 crore at the auction. His average of 16.33 in his first IPL season has not helped a shaky middle order.
Team news
Kings XI may not want to panic just yet, but wholesale changes aren’t too far away. Will Farhaan Behardien or Gurkeerat Singh get a game?
Kings XI Punjab (probable): 1 M Vijay, 2 Manan Vohra, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 David Miller (capt), 5 Glenn Maxwell/Farhaan Behardien, 6 Nikhil Naik (wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Rishi Dhawan, 9 Mohit Sharma, 10 Kyle Abbott/Mitchell Johnson, 11 Sandeep Sharma
Kieron Pollard and Parthiv Patel have only managed a combined tally of 134 runs in five matches. Mumbai may look to bring in Martin Guptill and Unmukt Chand.
Mumbai Indians (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Parthiv Patel/Unmukt Chand, 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Jos Buttler, 5 Kieron Pollard/Martin Guptill, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
Pitch and conditions
The Mohali surface has traditionally provided good carry to the bowlers. In three games this season, the highest score has been Gujarat Lions’ 162 that came in a chase. The weather is expected to be good for the duration of the match.
Stats and trivia
- In 16 matches against each other, Kings XI and Mumbai have won eight each.
- In 16 IPL matches since 2015, Maxwell has made 184 runs at an average of 12.26, with a highest score of 43
Nikhil Kalro is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo