The math is simple - we win against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana on Tuesday and we are ‘almost’ there… in the IPL 2023 playoffs, the hallowed land. If we don't, eh, err, well let's not go there yet.

So, we know exactly what we need to bring back from the City of Nawabs - and, no, it’s not Galouti kebabs. Perhaps some of those as well to go with our vada pavs.

And with the boys in the form they are in right now… four wins in our last five …we like our odds. Beating LSG at their own home turf will take some doing. With two losses in as many meetings, we don’t boast the best of records against them. But trends like these are meant to be broken, aren’t they? And what better time than right now! 

Interesting fact: KL Rahul scored identical unbeaten 103s in both these matches, but woohoo, he won't be there this time around. 

What: Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians

When: Tuesday, May 16 2023

Where: Ekana Sports Complex, Lucknow

What to expect: The Ekana has been a low-scoring surface this season and has recorded the lowest average first-innings score (146) amongst all grounds. The average second innings score at the venue is just five runs better. However, with a certain Suryakumar Yadav, in the touch he is in at the moment, you never know, you never know!

What you need to do: Time to let the Nawabs know that the Peshwas are in town! Be loud and proud in these Blue and Golds and keep the मुंबई juggernaut rolling.

What they said: “For now, we control our own fate. If we win our last two games, we can still finish in the top two. So, the need of the hour is good cricket. The team has picked up at the right moment and the way we have played in our last few matches gives us a lot of confidence. But there’s a thin line between confidence and overconfidence. We have to make sure we don’t cross that line and back ourselves,” - Piyush Chawla on what the team needs to do to seal a playoff spot.

“The type of form Surya is in, it’ll be very difficult to stop him, regardless of what plan anyone comes up with. Yes, in cricket, it takes just one delivery to dismiss a batsman but when they are in a good mindframe it's very difficult to get them out. And SKY is in a very good mindframe now,” - Piyush Chawla on SKY’s current form.

Stat check:

A win in Lucknow = one giant step towards confirming a play-off spot. Time to pull out all the stops, in true Mumbai Indians fashion!