The three-time champions Mumbai Indians will take on the rechristened Delhi Capitals in the third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Teams
Probable XI for MI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh/Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan/Jason Behrendorff, Mayank Markande, Lasith Malinga/Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah
Probable XI for DC: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, (c) Colin Ingram, Rishabh Pant (wk), Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Rahul Tewatia/Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Trent Boult/Kagiso Rabada
Fantasy team
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team on the basis of players’ impact, recent performances, and credit points.
My XI: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Shikhar Dhawan (vc), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mayank Markande
Pitch report
The red soil at Wankhede Stadium has been the key ingredient for close encounters. The runs come in abundance, and no matter how big the target is, the probability of chasing is often high.
MI lack depth but know how to rise above difficulties
Rohit has confirmed that he will open the batting throughout the season. This means Suryakumar Yadav, their star of the previous season, will have to bat at No. 3. They have Quinton de Kock to partner Rohit at the top. It will be a delightful scene when these attractive batters take the field together.
MI is studded with match-winners. Pollard, on his day, can obliterate any bowling unit. Hardik, despite being bogged down by injuries of late, will put up spirted performances. His elder brother Krunal is a spinning all-rounder every team likes to have. They, now, have added Yuvraj. Many believe that he is not the force he once was, but MI think tank has other plans.
Markande is a known entity now. He was a surprise package last season with his leg-spin. However, the bowler to watch out for this summer will be Jasprit Bumrah, one of the rare bowlers who is equally effective in all formats. They have four choices for the remaining two spots: Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Lasith Malinga, and Adam Milne.
Will Delhi’s rechristening change their fortune?
It will be a home game for two DC players. Captain Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw, who play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, know every corner of Wankhede, although they are not used to playing against the Mumbai crowd.
Dhawan is back to the Delhi franchise after 11 years. He was not a household name then. A few weeks ago he became the second-fastest to 5,000 ODI runs for India. When Sunrisers Hyderabad made the trade, DC had to give away three players at the expense of Dhawan. Such is his reputation now.
DC have a relatively weak middle-order. There is Rishabh Pant, their highest run-scorer last season. He is a gifted cricketer and works hard on his game, but plays an unreasonable shot every now and then. DC also have an option in Colin Munro, but their opening slots are already filled. Shreyas too performed with distinction, but he has not anchored the innings on consistent basis. It all boils down to Colin Ingram who can provide the solidity they need. He has been busy playing T20 cricket, having participated in BPL, BBL, and PSL.
Either Kagiso Rabada or Trent Boult will lead the pace attack. Both may play, but it disturbs their combination. Lamichhane is sure to get a game. Not only does he keep the runs down but also takes wickets in heaps. However, DC may take a few games to find their strong XI.
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