IPL 2024, MI vs LSG: Mumbai Indians Win Toss, Opt To Field First; Check Playing XIs

Mumbai: Both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be aiming to end their disappointing IPL 2024 campaigns on a high note when they clash at the Wankhede Stadium tonight. With playoff berths out of reach for both teams, the focus shifts to securing a consolation win.

Three consecutive losses, including heavy defeats to KKR, SRH and DC have effectively extinguished LSG’s playoff hopes. Their poor net run rate (-0.787) further hinders their chances, putting them at a significant disadvantage compared to other contenders.

On the other hand, MI endured a turbulent season under the leadership of new skipper Hardik Pandya. Their early exit from the playoff race marked a low point for the five-time IPL champions. The pre-season leadership change, with Rohit Sharma being replaced by Pandya, attracted criticism and may have contributed to the team’s struggles. Currently sitting near the bottom of the table with only four wins, MI can strive for a fifth victory to potentially avoid finishing last.

LSG hold a commanding advantage in their head-to-head battles with MI, winning four out of five encounters.

Despite a dust storm earlier this week, the Wankhede pitch is expected to be dry for tonight’s match. The red soil surface with consistent bounce and patches of grass could lead to a high-scoring encounter. However, dew might become a factor later in the evening, making fielding crucial.

Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul(w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Arshad Khan, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan

LSG Impact Subs: Naveen-ul-Haq, Ashton Turner, Manimaran Siddharth, Prerak Mankad, Krishnappa Gowtham

Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan(w), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Hardik Pandya(c), Nehal Wadhera, Romario Shepherd, Anshul Kamboj, Piyush Chawla, Arjun Tendulkar, Nuwan Thushara

MI Impact Subs: Rohit Sharma, Tim David, Shams Mulani, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya