The stage is set for a clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Mumbai Indians at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, scheduled for May 11th at 7:30 pm.
KKR is poised for the playoffs, leading the points table with 16 points and an impressive net run rate of +1.453. With three consecutive wins under their belt, they approach the match with confidence.
In contrast, MI has had a disappointing season, winning only four out of twelve games. They aim to bounce back from their recent loss to KKR, seeking redemption and revenge for the 24-run defeat they suffered at the hands of the current leaders just a week ago.
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KKR vs MI: Match Preview
After a hiatus since 2019, the Mumbai Indians are set to return to Eden Gardens, a venue where they have a strong track record, having clinched victory in 10 out of 13 matches. Their previous encounter in Kolkata ended in a 34-run loss against the hosts, although it marked a memorable season for MI, who ultimately secured their fourth title. However, IPL 2024 has been a season of missed opportunities for them, as they find themselves eliminated from the playoffs race. Now, they face a confident Kolkata Knight Riders team, eager to secure their spot in the playoffs and strengthen their bid for a top-two finish by completing a double over MI.
KKR boasts an impressive powerplay performance this season, with the second-highest average score (68), joint-second highest boundary percentage (30.8%), and the second-lowest wicket loss (16) during this phase, tied with CSK. Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have been pivotal for KKR, amassing 548 runs at a combined strike rate of 180.86 in the powerplay. Even in instances of rare failure, like their previous encounter against MI at Wankhede, KKR has shown resilience, supported by consistent bowling performances and Mitchell Starc’s recent four-wicket haul against MI, indicating a well-oiled machine poised for success.
In contrast, MI has struggled with inconsistency, particularly in batting, apart from standout performances by Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have faced difficulties, with Sharma failing to surpass single-digit scores in his last five innings and Kishan managing a highest of 32 in his last seven outings. With the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, none of their bowlers rank among the top 15 wicket-takers in this IPL season. However, their recent victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they successfully restricted a formidable batting lineup to 173 before Yadav’s century led them to victory, injects some confidence as they aim to conclude a disappointing season with a couple of wins and disrupt the congested mid-table standings.
Should the Mumbai Indians (MI) reset and shift focus to preparing for IPL 2025 or persist with their top lineup despite their elimination from IPL 2024?
One school of thought suggests resting key Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching in less than a month. On the other hand, there’s the argument for pride and the value in World Cup-bound players facing strong opponents, even if MI can’t make the top four.
Regardless of MI’s decision, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won’t be bothered anymore. Historically, MI has been a tough opponent for KKR, with a significant win-loss record in MI’s favor, including a dominant 7-3 record at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. However, KKR’s recent win at MI’s Wankhede Stadium and their superior form this season give them the edge in the upcoming match.
KKR is aiming for their fifth consecutive win and ninth overall this season. Securing victory would guarantee their place in the playoffs and potentially strengthen their position for a top-two finish, particularly crucial as this is their final home game.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Kolkata Knight Riders WWWLW (last five completed games, most recent first)
Mumbai Indians WLLLL
KKR vs MI: Pitch Report & Conditions
At Eden Gardens, runs have been plentiful this season, and there’s little sign of that changing. In the six games played so far in Kolkata, teams batting second have emerged victorious in four instances. Even the two losses incurred by chasing sides (SRH and RCB) were incredibly narrow, with margins of just 4 runs and 1 run, respectively. Dew tends to factor into the later stages of the night. With an excessive heat warning in Kolkata and temperatures hovering around 40°C during the day, humidity will be a significant factor.
While the Delhi Capitals were held to 153, which the Knight Riders chased down in 16.3 overs, high scores have been characteristic of this season in Kolkata. Early on, SRH came close to KKR’s 208, RR successfully chased down a target of 224, RCB fell just one run short of KKR’s 222, and Punjab Kings chased down a massive target of 262 in just 18.4 overs. Another high-scoring encounter seems likely. Despite recent rain in Kolkata disrupting KKR’s travel plans, the forecast around match time appears promising.
Anticipate a pitch favoring batsmen, but recent rain may have slowed down the outfield. With more rain expected on Saturday, the possibility of a curtailed match or even a washout cannot be dismissed.
KKR vs MI: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 33
- Won by Kolkata Knight Riders: 10
- Won by Mumbai Indians: 23
- No Result: 0
- First Played: April 29, 2008
- Last Played: May 3, 2024
In their previous encounter on May 3, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a significant breakthrough by breaking a 12-year jinx at Wankhede Stadium. Despite a rocky start, with the team at 57 for 5, KKR managed to turn the tide against Mumbai Indians (MI) and secured a victory by 24 runs. Key contributions from Venkatesh Iyer and the impactful Manish Pandey propelled KKR to a total of 169 runs. Subsequently, the spinners, Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc, played pivotal roles in dismantling MI’s batting lineup, leading to a memorable triumph for KKR.
KKR vs MI: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Kolkata Knight Riders
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found success with their aggressive batting approach and have maintained a winning combination. The team’s recent performance against MI, where their bowlers rescued them, highlights their resilience.
One potential change could involve the inclusion of the fit-again Nitish Rana, possibly replacing Angkrish Raghuvanshi. However, this move may raise concerns about having too many left-hand batters in the lineup, considering the presence of Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh.
In terms of strategy, considering Rohit Sharma’s susceptibility to Sunil Narine’s bowling, and his struggles against left-arm pace this season, Mitchell Starc could be a valuable asset alongside the West Indian in the powerplay. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer’s past success against Jasprit Bumrah makes him a key player for KKR to counter MI’s threats and challenge their spinners. Andre Russell’s track record against Suryakumar Yadav, having dismissed him thrice in previous encounters, presents another strategic advantage for KKR.
Vaibhav Arora emerges as a potential impact player swap, particularly for a batter.
Predicted XII:
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi/Nitish Rana
- Shreyas Iyer (capt)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Rinku Singh
- Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
Mumbai Indians
This match marks Mumbai Indians’ (MI) first game after their elimination from the tournament. While there are no indications of major players being rested, Jasprit Bumrah could be a potential candidate for rest. In such a scenario, Akash Madhwal is the likely replacement. All-rounder Anshul Kamboj is expected to retain his place despite conceding runs on debut. However, if MI requires an impact player, Piyush Chawla or Shreyas Gopal could be considered as potential swaps for a batter.
Nuwan Thushara made an early impact against KKR in the previous game, and MI will rely on the Sri Lankan paceman to deliver once again. Bumrah presents a good matchup against Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh, having dismissed them twice each. MI might also consider Luke Wood, who, despite registering the most expensive figures for MI in a game, can offer favorable matchups against KKR’s left-handed batters like Narine, Shreyas, and Venkatesh, who have collectively struggled against left-arm pace in this IPL season.
Predicted XII:
- Rohit Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (capt)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Naman Dhir
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Tim David
- Nehal Wadhera
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah/Akash Madhwal
- Nuwan Thushara
- Piyush Chawla
KKR vs MI: Players Under The Spotlight
KKR- Mitchell Starc
As the playoffs loom closer, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pin their hopes on Mitchell Starc, a seasoned campaigner with two ODI World Cup and one T20 World Cup titles under his belt, to bring his championship-winning mentality to the franchise. Despite being KKR’s most expensive player in terms of both paycheck and economy rate (11.37), Starc’s invaluable experience has served as a guiding light for young bowlers like Harshit Rana and Arora, as attested by their remarks during IPL 2024. His standout performance of 4 for 33 against MI last week showcased glimpses of his potential, and if Starc delivers his best, KKR’s bowling lineup will be fortified.
MI- Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, set to occupy one of India’s opening slots at the upcoming T20 World Cup, finds himself under the spotlight. Since his century against Chennai Super Kings, Sharma’s scores of 36, 6, 8, 4, 11, and 4 have raised concerns. Excluding his century, Sharma’s average dips to 20.45 in the other 11 games. While his altered approach in the powerplay is reflected in his striking strike rate of 152.77, the string of low scores amidst a tournament where most openers are thriving against the new ball poses a worrisome trend.
KKR vs MI: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Toss: Kolkata Knight Riders win and choose to bowl.
- Powerplay: MI scores 55-65 runs.
- MI Total: 205-215 runs.
- Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders win.
Scenario 2:
- Toss: Kolkata Knight Riders win and choose to bat.
- Powerplay: KKR scores 70-80 runs.
- First Innings Total: 220-240 runs.
- Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders win.
KKR vs MI: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: Ishan Kishan, Phil Salt
- Batsman: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma
- All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine (C)
- Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
Team 2:
- Keeper: Phil Salt, Ishan Kishan
- Batsman: Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav
- All-rounders: Andre Russell (VC), Sunil Narine, Hardik Pandya
- Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Nuwan Thushara, Jasprit Bumrah
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Mumbai Indians (MI), IPL 2024
When: 7:30 PM IST, Saturday – May 11
Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Where to watch KKR vs MI Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch KKR vs MI Live Telecast: Star Sports