Kolkata Knight Riders have missed out on a playoff spot for two seasons consecutively. They narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last year. Eoin Morgan is expected to lead KKR full time this season. The addition of Shakib Al Hasan has strengthened KKR. KKR will be keen to make a mark this season.
Mumbai Indians started off on a wrong note against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their first game of IPL 2021. They found the proceedings tough on a slow Chennai wicket. MI will be keen to put their campaign back on track. They will make a couple of changes to their lineup for the match against KKR. Rohit Sharma will want to get his side into winning zone soon.
KKR vs MI: Recent form (10 matches)
KKR looked all set to cruise into the playoffs until they lost their way at the fag end of the tournament. They missed out on a playoff spot by a whisker. KKR have won 5 and lost 5 of their last 10 games.
5-time defending champions Mumbai Indians eased their way into winning their last IPL championship. They were unstoppable in IPL 2020. MI though started on a wrong note in IPL losing to RCB. They have won 6 and lost 4 of their last 10 games.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
Nitish Rana looked in fine form against SRH. He will be key to KKR getting a good start against MI.
A fit-again Andre Russell will be crucial to KKR’s chances in IPL 2021.
Rohit Sharma loves playing against KKR. A solid start from Sharma will ease MI’s batting lineup.
Jasprit Bumrah looked in prime form against RCB. He is a tricky customer to face.
X-factor player:
Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round skills be a key factor against MI’s quality line-up.
Hardik Pandya will be keen to make a mark against KKR.
What does stats say about KKR vs MI?
KKR and MI have played 27 IPL games against each other.
KKR have won 6 matches. MI have won 21 games.
KKR’s highest score against MI is 232. MI’s highest score against KKR is 210.
KKR’s lowest score against MI is 67. MI’s lowest score against KKR is 108.
Probable playing XI:
KKR:
Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Shakib Al Hasan, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi
MI:
Rohit Sharma (C), Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Marco Jansen, Trent Boult, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah
Pitch:
The Chennai pitch looked difficult to play shots right away in the opening game. It was a batting belter in the 2nd game. Batting becomes easy post the first powerplay and teams will be looking to capitalise post that.
Weather Report:
A high of 32 degrees and a low of 26 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might play a big factor and teams will prefer to chase under such weather conditions.
Ground stats:
Teams batting first have won 45% of the games. Teams batting second have won 53% games. 2% matches have been tied.
Average score in Chennai: 150-160.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between David and Goliath. We expect MI to go all out against KKR and emerge winners.
