There is a risk for ninth-placed MI, who have lost seven of their nine matches, that another defeat could push them to the bottom of the table, swapping places with LSG.
Bumrah (three wickets in nine matches at 94.66, economy 8.60), Pandya (146 runs in eight matches at 20.85, four wickets at 61.50, economy 11.90) and Surya Kumar (183 runs in nine matches at 20.33) have endured a torrid, unforgettable IPL campaign. – More so in the absence of former captain Rohit Sharma, who has been ruled out of the last five matches with a hamstring injury. Rohit attended MI’s optional practice session with head coach Mahila Jayawardene on Sunday, but there is no clarity on his return.
With all playoff hopes, MI will look to their Indian center to salvage some pride. Bumrah lacks his usual finesse, Surya Kumar’s long lean patch continues, and Pandya’s form – both as a player and a leader – has come under scrutiny.
Tactically, too, Pandya’s captaincy has been questioned, with some pointing to the decision to hand India’s first T20I captaincy to Surya Kumar.
While MI batsmen like Quinton de Kock, Tilak Verma and Ryan Rickelton have scored centuries this season, the unit has been largely inconsistent. The bowlers also struggled to control the flow of runs which necessitated a reshuffle of the team.
Surya Kumar, in particular, failed to convert starts, often falling while attempting his trademark strokes, especially against pace. Concerns are growing that the 35-year-old is no longer the T20 batsman he once was, fueling speculation over his long-term leadership role.
There have also been suggestions that MI should consider resting Bumrah for the remainder of the season to keep him fresh for international cricket, although this is unlikely.
LSG have also had a difficult run, losing five matches after winning their first two, and are now bottom of the table.
His batting has failed miserably. Nicholas Pooran has scored only 82 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Openers Aiden Markram (193 at 24.12) and Mitchell Marsh (212 at 26.50) have also struggled for consistency, along with skipper Rishabh Pant (189 at 27.00, strike rate 126.84).
However, the arrival of Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Ingles can boost their batting. If he does feature, his clash with Bumrah will be one to watch – especially after his success against the pacer in last season’s IPL.
In contrast, LSG’s bowling has been more encouraging. In their previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohsin Khan’s 5/23 – season’s best figures – almost sealed a win. With Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin in the pace attack, LSG have the tools – but their batsmen must provide a platform. With a packed schedule, it’s ‘now or never’ for LSG.
