Mumbai Indians are poised to play their 3rd game in IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals. After back to back losses, the 5-time IPL champions are desperate to etch out a win. And in doing so, there are quite a few changes that Hardik Pandya needs to make ahead of the MI vs RR clash.
Questions have been raised after Hardik Pandya didn’t give the new ball to ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Against GT, Hardik himself opened the spell while against SRH it was youngster Kwena Maphaka who opened with the new ball. But with MI playing their first match at home, Bumrah has a strong chance of opening the bowling for the hosts.
The Mumbai Indians team in general hasn’t gelled well. The team is lacking the X-Factor, which is mainly due to the absence of ace batter Suryakumar Yadav. However, ahead of RR, Pandya can make 3 crucial changes. Baby AB Dewal Brevis is likely to be back in the team as is Shams Mulani. Furthermore, Nuwan Thushara is likely to replace Kwena Maphaka.
Crucial Changes in Mumbai Indians Playing XI
MI are desperate for a win and in doing so Hardik Pandya is likely forced to make a couple of changes. Dewald Brevis managed to score 46 vs GT. However, the Proteas youngster was dropped against SRH. With MI lacking options in batting, the inclusion of Brevis in the Playing XI looks imperative.
Shams Mulani is an able spinner. With the Wankhede pitch hinting a bit of turn, MI might be forced to go with 2 spinners in the form of Piyush Chawla and Shams Mulani. But the biggest change comes in the pace attack. 17-year old Kwena Maphaka had a horror debut.
The Proteas pacer leaked 66 runs, the highest by a bowler on his IPL debut. As a result, MI will be looking to give a chance to Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara to partner Bumrah and Gerald Coetzee in the pace attack.
MI Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Dewald Brevis, Tim David, Hardik Pandya (c), Piyush Chawla, Shams Mulani, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah.
Imapct Sub: Nuwan Thushara IN, Dewald Brevis OUT
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