Misfiring teams seek turnaround

Monday, April 25, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)

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. Mumbai won only one of their first six games in 2014 and 2015, but they pressed on and qualified for the playoffs during both seasons. They will be hoping for a similar turnaround this IPL too.

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 had won only three matches. David Miller, the captain, has made only 46 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.

However, Kings XI's top three - M Vijay, Manan Vohra and Shaun Marsh - have been in good touch. The hosts desperately need a win to drag themselves off the bottom of the table and they will bank on the top order to deliver.

Kings XI Punjab: LLWLL (most recent matches first)
Mumbai Indians: LWLLW

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 the big 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.

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 on Monday.

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

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.