IPL 2021: Predicted starting lineups for Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians

Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will see the competition’s most successful side take on the perennial underachievers. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to take on the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Both sides would be coming off the backs of humiliating defeats which saw incredible batting collapses. The defending champions, MI, currently sit fourth on the IPL table after winning two and losing two of the four matches they have played. PBKS, on the other hand, have had the worst possible start to the campaign. They remain at the bottom after managing to secure only one victory from their four matches. 

MI lost their previous IPL 2021 encounter against the Delhi Capitals (DC). Rohit Sharma’s men managed to get only 137 runs, handing DC a comfortable six-wicket victory. However, PBKS suffered an even worse batting collapse. They were bundled out for a mere 120 against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Thus, KL Rahul’s men were handed an embarrassing nine-wicket defeat. 

Here are the predicted starting lineups for both sides. 

PUNJAB KINGS

KL Rahul (Captain, WK): Rahul’s form has not been one of concern this season. Based on his previous knocks this season, the game against SRH can be seen as a blip. PBKS will be hoping that their skipper is back to his best if they are to move up the table.

Mayank Agarwal: Much like his skipper and childhood friend, Agarwal’s form this season has also been decent. He has played a few good knocks before the SRH game. He will also be looking to get back amongst the runs against MI. 

Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss had a surprisingly slow innings of 15 runs against SRH. That being said, the West Indian’s skill with the bat is of no debate. Thus, he will look to go back to being at his explosive best. 

Dawid Malan: It has been quite surprising to see the world’s number one T20 batsman not feature in KL Rahul’s starting lineup yet. Nicholas Pooran’s disappointing form has surely gone on for a while now. Maybe the skipper might give the Englishman a chance this time around?

Deepak Hooda: Hooda’s batting performances have been good this season, despite his team’s results not suggesting the same. He would be looking to continue scoring with the bat against MI. 

Moises Henriques: The all-rounder did not quite have the impact has one would have hoped against SRH but he did manage to get a few runs under his belt. He is also a veteran of the sport and Rahul would be reliant on his experience. 

Shahrukh Khan: The youngster has had a good season so far, and his explosive cameos at the end of the innings have often helped PBKS reach respectable totals. 

Fabian Allen: Despite the disappointing loss last time around, Aleen had a very good bowling performance. He picked the wicket of David Warner and gave away only 22 runs against SRH. 

Ravi Bishnoi: Murugan Ashwin has not been up to the mark this season, whether it be his batting or bowling performances. Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi might be of interest to KL Rahul as he was one of the breakout stars of the IPL last season. 

Mohammed Shami: Despite not having a good performance with the ball against SRH, Shami is certain to keep his place simply because he is PBKS’ best and most experienced bowler by far.  

Arshdeep Singh: Another youngster who has had a fairly decent IPL 2021 campaign is Arshdeep Singh. He would be looking to be among the wickets and keep his place in the starting lineup against MI. 

MUMBAI INDIANS

Rohit Sharma (Captain): In a losing effort, skipper Rohit Sharma played a captain’s knock against DC, scoring 44 off 30 deliveries. The skipper is one of the finest batsmen in the world and will look to keep his good run of form going. 

Quinton de Kock (WK): The South African might not have had a good time with the bat in the previous game, but he is still one of the top wicket-keepers in world cricket right now and also an extremely reliable top-order batsman. 

Ishan Kishan: The youngster has had a good season so far and despite scoring 26 off 28 balls in the previous game, he is still an asset to Sharma and MI. 

Suryuakumar Yadav: It was yet another explosive cameo from Suryakumar against DC. The batter scored 24 off juist 15 deliveries and will look to get more this time around.

Hardik Pandya: Hardik’s IPL 2021 season has not gone exactly to plan so far. He got out on the first ball he faced against DC and was not given the opportunity to bowl. He would be eager to improve his form with the bat. 

Krunal Pandya: Krunal has had a good season so far. He has been good with the ball and sometimes quite effective with the bat as well. He would be hoping to do more of the same against PBKS. 

Kieron Pollard: Despite not shining with the bat, Pollard did do a decent job with ball in hand, picking up one wicket in his spell that lasted for just 1.1 overs. 

Jayant Yadav: Jayant Yadav had a decent outing against DC in the previous game. He scored 23 off 22 deliveries and managed to pick one wicket for just 25 runs from his four overs. 

Rahul Chahar: The young leg spinner also showcased a decent bowling performance against DC, picking up one wicket and giving away only 29 runs from his four overs. 

Trent Boult: Boult did not get a wicket against DC, but was the most economical bowler. He gave away only 23 runs in his four overs at an economy of 5.75. 

Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah went for a few runs but he managed to pick a wicket nonetheless. He is Rohit’s best bowler and he will want him at his best against PBKS.