IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 5 winning factors

#3 Strategy

Rayudu’s injury could pave way for the quick return of Harbhajan, who missed out on the last game

As stated earlier, Mumbai Indians might be better off with Parthiv Patel opening with his captain.

With Ambati Rayudu missing for the next few matches, Buttler might have a role to play in the middle order, guiding the less experienced MI batters – consisting of Nitish Rana, Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya – and taking control of the middle and end of the innings.

It will be interesting to see how Rayudu’s place in the team is filled by MI. Do they strengthen their bowling with the addition of Harbhajan Singh? Or do they drop one of the overseas bowlers and bring in someone like an Asela Gunaratne or Nicholas Pooran to add more batting firepower?

Kolkata Knight Riders’ only point to ponder about might be their seam bowling options. Both newcomers – Boult and Woakes – disappointed in the previous game and with the availability of Shakib Al Hasan, they may be tempted to drop one of them and an out and out all-rounder.