The Mumbai Indians are experiencing success in their campaign for the IPL 2023, having won three of their last five games, following two losses in their opening fixtures. Captain Rohit Sharma also provides the team with a strong start. However, the condition of Jofra Archer’s fitness is unclear, causing uncertainty as to whether he’ll play in the upcoming game against the Punjab Kings. The Kings, on the other hand, are currently struggling with three losses in their last four games. The team is relying heavily on captain Shikhar Dhawan as their top batsman, while the team is hoping for Kagiso Rabada’s return after he was absent from their last game. The upcoming game between the two teams will be held on Saturday, April 22, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where recent matches have seen a preference for chasing teams. The Mumbai Indians currently have a record of fifteen victories to Punjab Kings’ fourteen. Mumbai Indians: The current squad appears settled with little expectation of changes, unless Jofra Archer’s fitness improves. However, if he is cleared to play, it is expected that either Jason Behrendorff or Riley Meredith will be left out. When it comes to tactics and matchups, the Punjab Kings’ bowling lineup is a challenge for Rohit, particularly against left-arm pace and balls that turn away. Rohit has been dismissed 21 times by such deliveries since 2019, and it is likely he will face challenges from bowlers such as Arshdeep, Curran, Chahar, and Harpreet Brar. Probables: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Arjun Tendulkar, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendoff PBKS: The Kings have seen spinners Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar performing well in the squad, but it is possible for Kagiso Rabada to come in place of Nathan Ellis. There is also the chance of bringing in Shikhar Dhawan as an impact player to bat. In terms of tactics and matchups, Rabada’s return could prove effective against Mumbai’s Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, given Rabada has dismissed the former twice in 26 balls and the latter thrice in 40 balls. Probables: Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis/Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar One interesting note is that in the last 14 matches at the Wankhede Stadium, chasing teams have won 11 of them. Furthermore, in the four games played by The Punjab Kings, Shikhar Dhawan has been responsible for over a third of the total team’s runs. Mumbai pacer, Jason Behrendorff, remains positive, “The team is gelling together really nicely. All the top six batters have had an impact. So that’s a very exciting thing for us. Guys are getting some quality game time. The main thing for us is to keep looking to get that little bit better in each game. We have won a couple of games now and we’ll just try to continue to build on that momentum.” On the other hand, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh pointed out, “The Punjab side seems largely dependent on their captain Shikhar Dhawan in the batting department which is a concern. While depending on one player, you can win two or three matches, but you cannot win a tournament like the IPL. The rest of Punjab players will have to support their captain and take responsibility if they wish to go forward.” With teams fighting for a victory, it will be interesting to see the unfolding of events in a matchup where any twist can change the game’s outcome.
