Knights seek to cash in on MI’S inconsistency
MUMBAI: The last time KKR visitedwankhedestadium, they were cruising towards victory having set a 180-run target for the hosts. Mumbai Indians were in a spot of bother with 60 required off 23 deliveries when 23-year-old Nitish Rana turned things around with a 29-ball 50.
Known as slow starters, MI’S resurgence might have actually taken a bit too long this season and they stand at a juncture where they need to win every game. And against KKR, they face a daunting task.
To start with, MI’S bowling has been wayward this season. Barring Bumrah (6.75), three of their top four bowlers — Hardik Pandya, Mayank Markande and Mitch Mcclenaghan — have all been hammered at economy rates of 9.12, 7.93 and 8.52 respectively.
Rohit will be well aware of what awaits him on Sunday. It isn’t quite the traditional batting pair his boys will have to bowl to. Both Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine can be more than a handful. And, even if they depart cheaply,
KKR’S batting depth can leave any team nervous, with their highest run-getter, skipper Dinesh Karthik, coming in the middle-order. Given their situation, MI cannot afford to treat KKR as part of their learning curve anymore. It’s a must-win game and everything has to be executed with utmost precision.
For KKR, a loss might only dent their confidence . With five wins from nine matches, they still have games to look forward to.
Historically, KKR don’t have a great record against MI. In the 21 games the two have played, KKR have won five. They’re winless in their last six games against MI, but if there’s a reason why the contest isn’t over yet, it’s because of MI’S inconsistency this season.
Neither KKR nor MI have their fate sealed yet. And, a favourable result for either of them would do them a world of good.