Plot:

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), we’ve played over 10 matches against 7 teams. We have a favourable record; more wins than losses against 5 out of the 7. Against Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils, we have 9 wins and losses each. These are the only two teams who we have played against on 18 occasions in the IPL. We’re about to take on both of them in the space of two days this week, starting off with Kings XI Punjab, who will host us in our away game in Indore.

Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab have a string of contrasting results in their last few games. We have been on a roll, winning all our last four games, after losing our season opener. On the other hand, Kings XI won their first two games, but have lost 3 consecutive matches since. They will be playing their last home game at the Holkar Stadium, before they go back to their usual home ground in Mohali. In their previous game, Manan Vohra nearly stole the show with a single-handed effort, scoring 95 runs. The next highest score in the innings for Kings XI was just 13. Many of the foreign batsmen have failed to fire and our in-form bowlers will look to make the most of it.

Chasing has been the way to go for us, whenever we’ve won the toss. The coin has gone our way before all our four victories this season. However, the confidence in our team is very high and if the toss doesn’t go our way, it won’t be much of a worry for our boys. The death bowling has been spot on, and Mitchell McClenaghan’s return to form has spurred the attack further. Our spinners will be keen on bowling in Indore as well.

Stage:

Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

In the two games at this venue this year, Kings XI won both of them while chasing. The pitch isn’t the easiest to bat on and tended to be on the slower side. Spinners will come in handy on this dry surface with temperatures being around 40 degrees celsius.

Acts:

Our bowlers vs their top order:

Barring Manan Vohra, the rest of the Kings XI top-order didn’t seem too comfortable against Sunrisers’ quality attack. We possess a pack of very good bowlers too, and have a great chance of picking up a few early wickets in the Powerplay.

Bhajji vs Maxwell:

Glenn Maxwell may promote himself up the order to get some quick runs. However, he could be up against Harbhajan Singh. Maxwell resorts to bringing out the switch-hit very often against spinners. While most teams have tried to see off Bhajji’s threat, it will be interesting to see how Maxwell will look to tackle the Turbanator.

Nitish Rana vs Sandeep Sharma:

Nitish Rana seems to be in the form of his life, but he could be tested by a fine swing bowler in Sandeep Sharma. The pacer has taken just five wickets this season, but has swung the ball beautifully. Rana has a cool head and how he fares against swing will be enticing to watch.

Milestones:

• Of the active teams in the IPL, Lasith Malinga has the most wickets (20), against Kings XI Punjab.
• Nitish Rana is 43 runs away from reclaiming the Orange Cap.
• Harbhajan Singh needs 1 wicket to get to 200 T20 wickets.