MI vs KKR Preview: Mumbai in search of their first win at home

The Wankhede Stadium will host its first match of IPL 2025, as the home team, Mumbai Indians (MI), will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match No. 12 on Monday, March 31. MI is desperate for a turnaround after two consecutive losses, while KKR looks to build on its momentum following a win over the Rajasthan Royals.

The Hardik Pandya-led side has been known for slow starts in IPL history, and this season has been no different. With losses to Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, MI have put themselves in early trouble. The absence of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has hurt them, while batters like Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton are struggling to find form. Rohit has managed only single-digit scores so far, including a duck, while Rickelton is yet to adapt to Indian conditions. Suryakumar Yadav returned to his best with a 48 against GT, but MI needs more firepower from their middle order.

KKR, on the other hand, will be excited by the potential return of Sunil Narine, who missed their last game due to illness. Narine’s presence can be important, given his dual role as an opener and a spinner. KKR’s bowling attack, including Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, and spinners Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, will challenge MI’s struggling batting line-up.

Pitch Report

The Wankhede Stadium pitch favours the batters and pacers alike, thanks to its red soil surface and short boundaries. The batters enjoy the conditions, but seamers have found success by hitting hard lengths. Spinners, however, are less effective. Last season saw plenty of runs here, and the trend may continue. The pitch remains intact throughout the game, making it a good chasing ground, especially with dew playing a role in the second innings. The captain winning the toss usually prefers to bowl first, taking advantage of the conditions under lights.

Probable XI

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Satyanarayana Raju.

Impact Player: Robin Minz

Kolkata Knight Riders

Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi