Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will play host to Mumbai Indians (MI) in match no. 35 of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015, in Mohali on Sunday.
Both the teams would be desperate to move up the points table. KXIP have only managed to win one solitary game in their last five matches whereas MI have bagged three wins out of their last five games. KXIP have serious issues with their batting as none of the their batters are looking in good shape. They need to get their combinations right and play as a cohesive unit. While MI would look to carry on with their winning momentum.
Here are some of the key players from both the sides who can make a difference in this match:
Kings XI Punjab
David Miller: Miller has been the only batsman apart from skipper George Bailey to have batted well so far in this tournament. There's no doubt that he is a handy player in this shorter format of the game but he needs to prove his worth as KXIP will have to win all of their remaining matches in order to try and qualify for the Playoffs.
Sandeep Sharma: Sharma has been KXIP's best bowler so far and has showcased some brilliant swing bowling. His ability to swing the ball both ways has earned him wickets. His economy rate is commendable too. He is equally good at the start of the innings with the new ball and at the back end of the innings where he does not provide any room to the batsmen to free their arms. He is one of their key players who can make a difference on the field against MI on Sunday.
Mumbai Indians
Kieron Pollard: This big Trinidadian all-rounder has had a good IPL 2015 so far. He has brilliant on the field and has been equally good with the bat. If MI has to win this game against KXIP then he needs to be on song and if he starts hitting the ball from the sweetest part of the willow then the bowlers could be taken to the cleaners for sure.
Lasith Malinga: Skipper Rohit Sharma has shown enough faith on this Sri Lankan speedster. He has had a scratchy start to the tournament and now as IPL 2015 is nearing its business end, he is looking dangerous. His knack of picking up wickets at regular intervals gives MI the edge over their opponents and he too will be a crucial player for their clash against KXIP.
