IPL 2020, KKR VS MI Preview: KKR eyes strong start against MI

Kolkata Knight Riders start their IPL journey on Wednesday against Mumbai Indians at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Mumbai Indians have already played one match at the venue against CSK but were on other side and would be looking to get on the points table. Having already played at the ground they will have more knowledge on what to expect and how they can tackle the tricky phases of the game. KKR team would be happy to finally start the IPL journey and would like to win the first match and hit the ground running. 

During the auction, they spend a lot on foreign recruits of Eoin Morgan and Pat Cummins. They have kept their belief in the young crop of Indian fast bowlers and have experience also at their disposal. Their top 6 (most probably) of Shubman, Narine, Nitish Rana, Morgan, Karthik and Russell can send shivers through any bowling line up. The top 6 have a wicketkeeper, a spinner and a fast bowler.

After that, they can use Cummins, Kuldeep and all others that they feel best possible on the playing day. Their fast bowling will be spearhead by Cummins with Prasidh Krishna, Shubham Mavi, Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier to support. The spin department will be lead by Narine and Kuldeep. They have all basis covered for a terrific first X1.

KKR vs MI Match Prediction

Without any proper game time, at least for Indian players, how will team adapt that needs to be seen. Mumbai on other hand will like to improve the catching and hope to be a tad better in death bowling as once dew settles bowling becomes difficult. MI would also like to finish well with the bat, unlike the first match where they were 15-20 short of an about par score. If we see the last 10 meetings between two teams it’s MI leading by 9-1.

The only match KKR have won was due to a 40 ball 80 runs knock by Andre Russell. Mahela and Rohit would hope that bowlers don’t give Russell the chance to free arms as then he can score a quickfire knock that changes the whole complexion of the game. Rohit himself would like to score runs and lead from the front as whenever he scores MI are on the right side of the result. As MI have played one match already so they start slight favourites but should not underestimate KKR.