Finally Suryakumar Kumar is back for Mumbai Indians, after missing out three matches in the IPL 2024. That is a major boost for the team who have been lost three on the trot, and have been failing as a batting unit. The best T20I batsman in the world not only bring batting firepower to the team, but might also be a calming effect in the team, who have been struggling in the dressing room as well. With the reports of a rift between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma still going strong, Surya would act as a positive effect in the team.
Sanity Prevails, Experienced Mohammad Nabi in
That is not the only change Mumbai Indians went for. They also brought in experienced Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi in the team, that gives them some explosive power at the end of the innings. Bowling-wise too, he has a knack of being economical. Interestingly, West Indian Romaria Shepherd also makes it to the playing XI.
“We would have bowled first as well, but batting first is also not a problem, this wicket does look a bit drier. The ball might not come on nicely unlike in a night game. But there will be less swing and it should be good to bat. We don’t want to put pressure onto us, but one win will give us a lot of confidence. Three changes for us – Surya is back, he replaces Naman. Romario replaces Mapakha and Nabi is in, he replaces Brevis,” Hardik Pandya said at the toss.
Mumbai Indians Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah.