The last time Mumbai Indians (MI) locked horns with Delhi Capitals (DC), the three-time champions were fighting to reach the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they fell short by 11 runs, with the already eliminated Delhi spoiling the party for Rohit Sharma and his men. They have played 23 games against each other and Mumbai is leading the competition by 12-11, despite the fact that they got defeated in both the game last season.
For Mumbai, the biggest concern they will be facing is surrounding the workload management of the players like Rohit, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, three players who will be the crucial cogs for India in the upcoming World Cup. Individually too, after disappointing their fans in the last season, they will be looking forward to having a great season ahead. Each time Mumbai have started well in a tournament, they’ve made it to the Playoffs. Last year, they lost the first three matches and were left to play catch-up.
ALSO READ: Match 3 (MI vs DC): 5 Players To Watch out
Yet another season, Delhi is looking very strong on paper, but they more often than not fail to replicate that on the field. This year though, the composition looks a whole lot better than the previous seasons and the presence of international cricketers in their ranks should pave way for better results.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai has been one of the most consistent teams in the history of IPL. Since 2013, one year they win the title and next year they can’t make it to the playoffs. According to this theory, this must be the year of Mumbai. But these are just clear theories and nothing solid in it. But, MI has all the mass on their side to go all the way.
Rohit has already clarified that he will be opening the batting for Mumbai throughout the season. Quinton de Kock is expected to fill the second opener’s slot and will also keep the wickets. The long queue of all-rounders – Pandya brothers, Kieron Pollard and Ben Cutting – is a big bonus for Mumbai. Lasith Malinga will miss the initial stage of the league, which forces MI to play with an all Kiwi foreign pace battery.
ALSO READ: Match 3 (MI vs DC): Probable Fantasy XI
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC is expecting to start a fresh journey with a new name. They have made numerous changes in the team as well. The biggest of them is receiving Shikhar Dhawan through the transfer window from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dhawan will open the batting along with young prodigy Prithvi Shaw. Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer will follow the batting line up, which makes Delhi’s batting a dangerous cog of their lineup.
In the bowling department, Delhi has Trent Bolt and Kagiso Rabada’s firepower. However, the South African quick is not available for this game due to being on national duty. Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra’s experience will come handy them in their quest for maiden IPL title.
ALSO READ: Match 3 (MI vs DC) – Probable XIs for the Match
Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Colin Ingram, Hanuma Vihari, Axar Patel, Trent Bolt, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep Lamichhane, Avesh Khan.
