Internet Desk: Mumbai Indians will look to get back to winning ways as they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an Indian Premier League match at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. The defending champions have so far been inconsistent with their performance on the field, winning only one match out of the three played so far.
Sunrisers Hyderabad on the other hand has been plagued by injuries and poor form. David Warner’s side has lost both their matches played so far against Royal Challengers Bangalore (by 45 runs) and Kolkata Knight Riders (by 8 wickets). Injuries to key players Yuvraj Singh, Kane Williamson and Ashish Nehra have also contributed to the lackluster performance for Hyderabad.
Poor form of Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has been a matter of concern for the Hyderabad team, but Eoin Morgan’s 43-ball 51-run innings in yesterday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders will come as a big relief for the hosts. Naman Ojha also looked good for his 37 runs. Sunrisers would look forward to its captain David Warner to fire soon if they have any ambition to go distance in the tournament. The bowling comprising of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, Karn Sharma also lacked the sting.
Mumbai started their campaign with a loss to IPL debutants Rising Pune Super Giants in Mumbai on April 9. But came back strongly to post a thumping six-wicket win over Kolkata on April 13 in Kolkata but again suffered a setback on its home ground with another new team Gujarat Lions last night.
Mumbai would look up to Rohit Sharma, who played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 84 against KKR, big-hitter Kieron Pollard, New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan and new England recruit Jos Butler to make life difficult for the hosts tomorrow.
The other talented batsmen, including Ambati Rayudu who hails from Hyderabad, Hardik Pandya and Parthiv Patel will also need to come up with a solid show.
The bowling attack, comprising the seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Tim Southee and Jasprit Bumrah, should help the Mumbai’s cause.
Meanwhile Mumbai Indians got a blow as Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of IPL 9 due to an injury. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a show cause notice to Malinga after the pacer defied Boards dictate by joining Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL without required medical clearance. Sources in the SLC has confirmed that Malinga has been asked to explain his conduct. Despite the Board not giving him permission to play in the Indian Premier League, the speedster has reportedly joined the Mumbai Indians squad on Friday and also took part in teams training session.