3 things MI need to do right to knock LSG out of IPL 2024

The Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their last league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host this exciting contest on Friday, May 17.

Mumbai were the first team to be eliminated from the IPL 2024 playoffs spot, and have only four victories in 13 appearances to their name. In their last outing, MI lost by 18 runs in a rain-marred contest against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

With six wins in 13 league matches, LSG needs a win in this game to stay alive for an IPL 2024 playoffs spot. In their last outing, the Super Giants suffered a 19-run loss against the Delhi Capitals.

It will be interesting to see if the Lucknow-based franchise can secure an important victory and claim a top-four spot. On that note, let's check out the three things the Mumbai Indians need to do right to knock LSG out of IPL 2024.

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#1 Get off to a strong start

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan's opening combination has not fired in unison on many occasions this season. The duo failed to convert it into match-winning partnerships even if they had got a start. Kishan has garnered 306 runs at an average of 23.54, with the best score of 69 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 11.

Since then, he has got starts with knocks of 32 and 40, the southpaw has been dismissed while playing a rash shot. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has garnered just 52 runs in the last six matches. Overall, he has scored 349 runs in 13 innings at an average of 29.08.

In his last outing, Rohit disappointed fans with a 24-ball 19 effort. The failures of both openers have alluded Mumbai to a fiery start at the office. Their launchpad will be crucial for the side to post a strong score on the board.

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#2 Find contributions from middle-order

The trio of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma will play an important role in keeping the team in good stead in the middle-order. Apart from a riveting 102*-run knock against the SunRisers Hyderabad, Suryakumar hasn't been consistent with the bat. He has scored 345 runs in 13 innings and needs to play his natural game to boost the team's prospects.

Mumbai skipper, Pandya is into his worst season in the cash-rich league. With no significant impact with the bat, Pandya has 11 wickets at an expensive economy of 10.58. Clearly, out of confidence, the captain will look to lead from the front and provide contributions in both departments.

Meanwhile, Varma is the top run-scorer for MI with 416 runs at an exceptional average of 41.60. He has played fighting knocks on a few occasions and would look to end on a good note.

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#3 Provide support to Jasprit Bumrah

With 20 scalps at an exceptional average of 16.80, Jasprit Bumrah is the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. However, apart from Piyush Chawla (10), none of the bowlers have helped the team secure enough breakthroughs.

Bumrah's overs are vital, as he has been intelligent with variations and lengths. He needs strong support from the other end to put the batters under pressure and dismiss them. So far, the opposition has played out Bumrah safely and attacked the other bowlers. As a result, Mumbai are made to chase a big score on the board.

Nuwan Thushara has impressed recently, but it will be interesting to see if he can continue the same form in this game.