MI take on confident LIONS

Chennai

Their bid for a third title back on track after a shock defeat in the opening game, defending champions Mumbai Indians would be keen to carry on the winning momentum when they face table toppers Gujarat Lions, who have won both their matches so far, in an IPL game on Saturday.

Unlike the last two years, MI have made a quick turnaround following their humiliating nine-wicket loss against the new IPL team - Rising Pune Supergiants - in their campaign opener at the Wankhede Stadium here on April 9.

They came back strongly to post a thumping six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders and that augurs well for their expected tough battle against yet another league debutants - Gujarat Lions.

MI had suffered a string of four straight losses initially before overturning despair into delight by storming their way to the title last year. They had lost five straight matches in the beginning in 2014 edition also prior to entering the play-offs.

Keen to avoid a similar run, MI have succeeded in breaking their losing streak early this season. It must be pleasing for the team that it came on the strength of captain Rohit Sharma, who led the way with an attacking, unbeaten 84 that flattened KKR.

Sitting at the top of the  table with successive wins over Kings XI Punjab (away by 5 wickets) and RPS (at home in Rajkot by 7 wickets), Gujarat Lions would fancy their chances.

Ravindra Jadeja showed his effectiveness with his left- arm slow bowling, but the Lions would be mulling whether to keep the other leftarm spinner Shadab Jakati in the mix.

The Lions also have some big muscle at the top of the batting order in the meaty blade of in-form Australian opener Aaron Finch, who has the ability to take the leather off the ball and uses his feet well against the spinners, and the ever-aggressive former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.