Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) performance in IPL 2016 has been similar to that of last season's. While the Mumbai Indians (MI) got off to a slow start in IPL 2015 as well, much like this year, the defending champions cannot afford to drop too many more games if they hold ambitions of finishing in the top four. So, a win will be essential, when the teams, who are yet to find a footing in the current edition of the IPL, lock horns at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali on Monday.
One of the main reasons why KXIP has struggled in the IPL 2016 has been the lack of form of their skipper David Miller and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
The KXIP skipper, however, believes that his side are still in the hunt and will bounce back in IPL 2016. All they need is one win to gain that confidence back.
"We have got another nine games. In this tournament, even if you are down and out, you stay for the whole tournament. But, I believe that we are a great squad, a great mix of players. We are definitely in the hunt. I believe 100 per cent," Miller was quoted as saying by PTI.
Miller is also counting on Maxwell. The hard-hitting Aussie's average in the IPL 2016 is just a little above 9 and that is not going to help KXIP in any way. Miller is hopeful that Maxwell will find his form soon and help his side to turn their fortunes around.
"I don't think it's a worry at all. He (Maxwell) is a match-winner. He changed games in the past from absolutely no where. Unfortunately, it has not gone his way. That happens in cricket," Miller added.
Mumbai Indians will be looking to get back to winning ways against KXIP. Skipper Rohit Sharma has tried to lead from the front, but has not been able to achieve the desired results for his side in IPL 2016.
Krunal Pandya has been an asset to this Mumbai Indians side in this season of the IPL, even more than his sibling Hardik. Krunal has been really impressive with his all-round skills and will be a very handy player during the KXIP game.
Jos Buttler, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya need to step up to the occasion. It is not like they are not capable of doing better, it is just they need one good game to change things.
Both Mumbai Indians and KXIP will also look to improve on their net run rate.
Where to watch KXIP vs Mumbai Indians live:
KXIP vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match – is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. IST (15:30 p.m. BST, 10:30 a.m. ET).
Live TV coverage of the KXIP vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match will be on Sony Max, Sony Six/HD, Sony ESPN/HD. Online options are available on Hotstar and Starsports.com.
Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD2 will broadcast the KXIP vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match live in the UK and Ireland, with the live stream options on Watch Sky Sports and Sky Go.
Viewers in the US can watch Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match on ESPN, while the game can also be live streamed on Watch ESPN.
Audience in Canada can watch the KXIP vs Mumbai Indians match on Sportsnet and stream the same on Watch Sportsnet.
OSN Sports Cricket will show KXIP vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match in the Middle East and North Africa, while all the action can also be watched via live streaming online on OSN Cricket Play.
Supersport and Supersport Live Video will broadcast KXIP vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2016 match in South Africa.
Viewers from across the world, around 133 countries, can watch the IPL 2016 match live online on Cricketgateway.
