IPL: Will Russell mania strike Mumbai?

Since 2013, Mumbai has never won an opening game and the script didn’t change against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which defeated the defending champion last Saturday. Having gone down in the first match, MI will be keen to bounce back, with KKR looking for a perfect beginning.

Kolkata opener Shubman Gill would like to own the stage with his effortless hitting. His mini one-on-one battle with Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma will be one to watch out for. Apart from boasting batters who enthral the audience with grace, both teams have plenty of firepower.

Hardik Pandya is capable of unleashing big hits against KKR spinners Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav as well as Pat Cummins. Hardik will find his match in Andre Russell, one of the most destructive batsmen in T20s. The Jamaican, who had a terrific IPL 2019, was unhappy with the team management for consistently sending him lower down the order. This time around, he has been promised a spot in the middle-order.

Kolkata also possesses Eoin Morgan, who would be of great help for skipper Dinesh Karthik. Despite a strong start against CSK, Mumbai couldn’t post a huge total. It could look at bringing in Ishan Kishan, who is aggressive with the bat. Jasprit Bumrah had an off day, but will, in all likelihood, get back to his best soon.