The afternoon game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this Sunday presents a critical juncture for both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) as they strive to halt their declining momentum. Positioned at the lower echelons of the league's standings—with MI at the very bottom after three consecutive losses and DC just a notch above in ninth place following a significant defeat—the teams are eager to change their fortunes.
The spotlight intensifies on Suryakumar Yadav, returning fit from injury, whose performance is eagerly anticipated. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the stakes for his comeback couldn't be higher, both for his IPL team and the national squad. Recently seen practicing at the Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar's preparation involved batting sessions and fitness drills, indicating readiness to bolster MI's lineup.
Despite promising starts, MI's batting lineup, including Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, has struggled to convert into substantial scores. Similarly, Delhi's batting has largely depended on Rishabh Pant, who has hit form with back-to-back half-centuries, and David Warner. However, the team is yet to see significant contributions from others like Prithvi Shaw and Mitchell Marsh, who are yet to leave a mark this season.
MI's strategy adjustment in their last outing, giving Jasprit Bumrah an extended spell in the powerplay, showcased a tactical shift, albeit without the desired outcome due to a lackluster total. Akash Madhwal's performance emerged as a lone bright spot in an otherwise unremarkable bowling display.
On the DC front, the return of star player Pant has injected some much-needed vigour into the lineup, yet the team's overall performance remains inconsistent. Their last match exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in bowling, as DC allowed an excessive total, further hampered by a batting collapse in their chase.
With both teams preparing for their upcoming clash at the Wankhede Stadium, a venue where over 20,000 children are expected to attend, there's a lot on the line. This match not only represents a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for key players to assert their dominance and shift the narrative of their IPL 2024 campaign.
Team News
World No. 1 T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav is fit and his return to the Mumbai Indians lineup could well spark a much-needed turnaround for the 5-time champions. Romario Shepherd may also finally get some more game time at the expense of South African youngster Kwena Maphaka.
Anrich Nortje may have taken 3 wickets in the previous outing but he has been very expensive in all 3 games. Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson could well get a look in.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have squared off against each other 33 times in the past, with Mumbai dominating the head-to-head with 18 wins to Delhi’s 15.
Weather Report
It will be a hot and humid late afternoon in Mumbai, with temperatures expected in the 30-35°C range. We should get a full game as there’s no chance of rain
Probable XIs
MI Probable XI: Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav Hardik Pandya(c), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jasprit Bumrah
DC Probable XI: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant(wk/c), Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Sumit Kumar, Jhye Richardson, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed
Full squads
Mumbai Indians squad: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Tim David, Shreyas Gopal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Mohammad Nabi, Shams Mulani, Naman Dhir, Shivalik Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Arjun Tendulkar, Nuwan Thushara, Tilak Varma, Vishnu Vinod, Nehal Wadhera, Luke Wood
Delhi Capitals squad: Rishabh Pant (c&wk), David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Yash Dhull, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mitchell Marsh, Pravin Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Swastik Chikara, Shai Hope
(With PTI inputs)
