IPL 6: 2nd Qualifier - MI vs RR - Mumbai Indians Preview

It’s now time for the semifinal rather than a qualifier in the Indian Premier League, as a spirited RR side prepare themselves for a face-off against a star-studded MI side at Eden Gardens, Kolkata today. RR are fresh from a fighting victory over SRH in a game they almost lost had it not been for a brilliant match-winning fifty from Brad Hodge. On the other hand, MI, which has been one of teams for the box-office this season, is coming in this match from an embarrassing 48-run defeat against CSK in the 1st qualifier. But thanks to their top 2 finish in the league stage, they will get a yet another crack at the final today. The team that wins today will face CSK on Sunday at Eden Gardens.

MI have been pretty impressive this season, which is not surprising considering their consistent performances in all the previous seasons. But surprisingly, they haven’t managed to win a single edition of the tournament even after being fancied to win it so many times. However, this season too, they are well on their way, and still are definitely looking good to lift the trophy, barring their last match against CSK, in which they looked almost clueless. There have been very few reasons to ponder over regarding their batting so far, with almost all the batsmen striking the ball well. Sachin Tendulkar missed the last three games due to injury, and is doubtful for today’s fixture as well. MI are likely to continue with Aditya Tare if the Little Master is declared unfit.

Dwayne Smith has been consistent, piling up useful runs opening the batting, and might replace Glenn Maxwell today. Dinesh Karthik has been among the runs all season, and seems to have resurrected himself in the shortest format of the game, but seems have lost his touch a bit in the last few games. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard have been simply stupendous at the death overs, giving the oppositions some nightmares to deal with.

The MI bowlers have been bang-on right from the word go. Despite being expensive in the last game, Mitchell Johnson has led them very well, and has been brilliant with the new ball, swinging it both ways. As evident from the last few seasons, Lasith Malinga has been MI’s go-to bowler at the death, and the Sri Lankan has responded to the challenge reasonably well. Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha have formed a potent spin duo among themselves. Dhawal Kulkarni picked a side strain in MI’s last league match, and Munaf Patel is likely to take his place today as well. They all have to keep their last match performances behind them, and look for a fresh start today against RR, who have some dangerous players in their ranks.

Conditions:

Conditions here can be very tricky sometimes. Generally the pitch here has been slow and low, but teams have managed some good scores in a few games earlier. It is likely to assist the slow bowlers today as well.

Head to head:

The win/loss ratio is slightly skewed in the favour of MI, who have won 6 of the 12 games played between the 2 teams so far. RR have won 5 of them, with one match being a no result.

MI’s strategy:

Considering the nature of the pitch and also the fact that the match will be played under lights, they should look to bowl first upon winning the toss. However, considering their poor chase in the last game, chasing in a big game like this might pose some tough challenges for them.

Key Players:

Rohit Sharma - The MI captain has been in cracking form and is striking the ball well. His contribution in the middle order holds the key to Mumbai’s chances in this match.

Kieron Pollard - The big-built Caribbean right-hander has been an asset for the Mumbai side, especially with his hard-hitting capabilities and clever changes of pace when bowling. He plays the anchor role in the side, and saves plenty of runs while fielding as well.

Possible XI:

They experimented with some players in a few games earlier, but came back to their full strength side in the last game. They are likely to field the same XI today in case Sachin Tendulkar and Dhawal Kulkarni are declared fit.

Dwayne Smith, Sachin Tendulkar/A Tare, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Rohit Sharma(c), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Dhawal Kulkarni/Munaf Patel, Lasith Malinga and Pragyan Ojha.