IPL 2018: 37th Match, Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Prediction

Mumbai Indians (MI) will like to take home advantage against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 37th match of the IPL 2018. The defending champions are almost standing at the exit doors of the tournament and a slight push from any opposition will kill their hopes of defending their title.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik-led Knight Riders have had won five matches out of the nine they have played. Consequently, they are at the third place on the points table of Indian Premier League’s (IPL) eleventh season.

Kolkata will like to dent Mumbai Indians owing to the qualification hopes for the playoffs stage.

Men in Purple had won their last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and that win must have done them a world of good.

Catch-22 situation for Mumbai Indians.

Youngsters like Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi are coming up the ranks with solid performances respectively. Subsequently, this is great to note that the talented players are given the exposure to come good in style.

On the other hand, Indians must make use of Rohit Sharma in the top half of their batting order.

MI’s skipper is their best batsman and it doesn’t make any sense to keep him for the later stages. Rohit must face maximum balls to give Mumbai their best chance of winning the game.

Also, Read: IPL 2018: 37th Match, MI vs KKR Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Knight Riders will be propelled by the return of Nitish Rana, who is expected to make a comeback after an injury. The young players are taking the opportunity with both hands and it is pleasing to note their growth.

It is noted that Mumbai as a unit has forgotten to run in a race to playoffs. They have been literally walking like a Tortoise which has led to the massive gap between them and other teams.

However, the last match win must have added to their confidence. Thus, Rohit Sharma will have to instill a catalyst into his team so that, they can bounce in the race in which they are lagging behind.

Teams Combinations –

Mumbai Indians:

Mumbai unit is expected to play with the same team which had done the job against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

However, they may ponder to include Kieron Pollard in place of Ben Cutting. Pollard hasn’t been at his, but his pyrotechnics simultaneously cannot be ignored.

Mumbai Indians Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma, JP Duminy, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to get back Rana in place of out-of-form Rinku Singh.

Rana has provided solidarity to the middle order and he is expected to return to the side.

Kolkata can also rope in Tom Curran in place of Mitchell Johnson, who has proved to be expensive.

Kolkata Knight Rider Predicted XI: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik, (wk and c), Andree Russell, Shivam Mavi, Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav.

Match Prediction: Wankhede’s pitch hasn’t played the way it used to do in the earlier seasons. However, a run-fest can be on the cards as two heavyweights will take on each other.

To me, Knight Riders are favourites for this enticing clash against Mumbai Indians.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: 37th Match: MI vs KKR Indians Predicted XI