Mohali: Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians will start as favourites as they face a struggling Kings XI Punjab who lie at the bottom of the points table. Playing at home, Mumbai beat Rajasthan by eight runs, their third win in eight games, to keep their play-off hopes alive. They would now look to take revenge of their first leg loss to KXIP in Mumbai on April 12 when the two teams cross swords at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday.
Here are some players who could make a difference during the high-voltage encounter.
Kings XI Punjab
Sandeep Sharma
Sandeep Sharma has been Kings XI Punjab’s most effective bowler so far with brilliant spells in all the matches he has played for his side, the 4-25 against Kolkata Knight Riders standing out. His ability to swing the white ball both ways makes a lethal bowler for skipper George Bailey. (Photo: BCCI)
Virender Sehwag
KXIP has been heavily relying on Virender Sehwag to fire this season but sadly Viru, in his past three innings, has had scores of just 1 run. If men in red have to climb up the points table, Viru’s performance at the start will be vital for KXIP, specially when overseas players such as Glenn Maxwell have still not found form. (Photo: BCCI)
David Miller
Talking about overseas players, South African batsman David Miller seems to be the trump card for KXIP. Miller has been amongst the leading run-scorers in the league and KXIP, who are desperate for a win will look at Miller to perform his best on Sunday. (Photoo: BCCI)
Mumbai Indians
Harbhajan Singh
For Jalandhar-based Harbhajan Singh, who plays domestic cricket for Punjab, the Mohali ground is a familiar territory and it will be interesting to see whether he manages to have some local fans rooting for him. Now termed as a full fledged all-rounder Bhaji will definitely look to memerise his fans. (Photo: BCCI)
Mitchell McClenaghan
This man was responsible for Mumbai Indians’ win against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede on Friday. Mitchell McClenaghan’s 3-31 turned the tide for Rohit Sharma and his boys and going into this match, the Kiwi all-rounder will look to carry on his fine form. (Photo: BCCI)
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been in a happy zone off late. After recently celebrating his birthday and now getting engaged to his friend cum manager Ritika Sajdeh, Rohit Sharma is at the helm of affairs for the Ricky Ponting coached side. The MI skipper has provided good starts for his side and has adapted his pace of scoring according to the situation of the match. Come Sunday and we may just find Rohit opening the batting along with West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons. (Photo: BCCI)
