Mumbai Indians look to preserve dominance

Sitting comfortably at the top of the table, Mumbai Indians have done enough to cement their place in the playoffs. In their last match of the league round against Kings XI Punjab, they would want to carry their winning momentum before meeting Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier. As formidable as they appear, their opponents would have made note of how the Mumbai batsmen managed just 34 runs in the last five overs against Royals.

Prior to that match, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai’s batting was struggling until Kieron Pollard came in and thwarted Sunrisers with a blistering innings. Sachin Tendulkar, who missed the previous game, has been declared fit* but could still sit out the game. “The games are coming thick and fast and it has been just three days since he sprained his wrist,” Anil Kumble, the Mumbai Indians mentor, said. “Though he has recovered, he will probably give the match here a miss.” Local boy Rishi Dhawan might also find a place in the side.

Sunrisers’ victory over Rajasthan Royals put Kings XI out of the reckoning for the playoffs spot. With their tournament drawing to a close, Kings XI would like to register one last win and beating a highprofile team like Mumbai would certainly please their fans. In the spotlight Adam Gilchrist’s announcement of his retirement from the IPL at the end of the season evoked a sense of déjà vu, just like his batting over the last couple of games. Having scratched around for form in the early part of the tournament, his innings have been crucial to the side’s wins in the last two games. Will Glenn Maxwell get an extended run? Or will he make way for Dwayne Smith? IPL 2013’s most expensive player didn’t last for too long in his first outing as an opener for Mumbai this season.

He dominated the bowlers for as long as he was at the crease, but his wicket came after he had gotten off to a good start. For all the hype that surrounds his selection, the team will be expecting more runs from him. Stats and trivia Among Kings XI batsmen, Shaun Marsh has scored the most runs against Mumbai Indians, scoring 337 in 7 matches.

Adam Gilchrist is the most successful wicket-keeper in the IPL with 66 dismissals in 79 matches.Kings XI’s lowest total in IPL – 87 – came against Mumbai in 2011.