The race for a place in the playoffs is heating up, and the Mumbai Indians cannot afford to drop points in the run-in. And as they go up against Lucknow Super Giants, they face a peculiar challenge - making the most of the spin-friendly conditions of the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (April 30). 

It’s been a mixed season for the spinners with some massive totals being scored. “From what I can see from matches this season, hitting and chasing 200-plus scores is somewhat easy. From the spinners’ point of view, they need some variations in their bowling plans,” Kumar Kartikeya said during the pre-match press conference.

Take the example of Sunil Narine’s performance (1/24) in KKR’s record-breaking fixture against PBKS. Inspired by the West Indian’s bowling prowess, has KK developed a new strategy in his bowling?

“I watched that match (KKR vs PBKS) and noticed that the areas in which Sunil Narine bowled, regardless of the wicket, must be suitable for a bowler,” he said.

“He kept it simple and reaped benefits, which we must try. Our communication with the coaches is the same: the simpler, the better. So if we complicate it too much in case a lot of runs are being scored or something else, it'll create problems for us. The simpler we keep it, the better.”

Our left-arm mystery spinner stressed Mumbai Indians’ strategy was similar going into the game on a pitch that is known to aid spin - of maintaining a balance between having variations in the bowling plans and keeping things straightforward.

“Our strategy for tomorrow's match is to keep it simple. The larger ground size might provide some respite for our spinners. We aim to minimise the runs conceded and maximise wickets taken, giving us the edge in this crucial matchup,” he added.

So, Paltan, we go in with a simple approach, plan, and mission. We have to win this game, we are in that territory. And without you, nothing is possible. Let’s send some massive Blue-and-Gold love all the way over to Lucknow, shall we?