14 May,2014 09:09 AM IST | | Agencies
Rohit Sharma & Co have little choice but to beat a resurgent Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders in their crucial Indian Premier League 7 encounter at Cuttack today
Mumbai Indians' players celebrate the wicket of Parthiv Patel during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium last Tuesday. Pic/PTI
Cuttack: High on confidence after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous game, defending champions Mumbai Indians will look to continue the winning momentum when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League match today.
Mumbai Indians' players celebrate the wicket of Parthiv Patel during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium last Tuesday. Pic/PTI
The Kolkata outfit has been struggling to find its feet in the ongoing tournament, but back-to-back victories, especially a win against a strong Kings XI Punjab side at this very venue, must have done its confidence a world of good.
Mumbai Indians, with just three victories from nine games so far, are well aware that they would have to win all their remaining matches if they want a berth in the play-offs.
Despite most of their batsmen being among runs, Mumbai have faltered a little too often in this tournament so far. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard have been successful in the current season.
Even Ambati Rayudu have contributed with runs. On Monday, Rayudu (68) along with Lendl Simmons (68) comfortably chased down a 158-run target against SRH.
Good bowling line-up
Michael Hussey and Corey Anderson are yet to click for Mumbai. As far as their bowling is concerned if the likes of Lasith Malinga, Praveen Kumar, Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha manage to fire in unison, the hosts might face some serious trouble.
KKR, who are placed fourth with four wins and five loses in nine games, would certainly be keen to go all out for a victory. Kolkata's batting has clicked against both Delhi Daredevils and KXIP, with underfire skipper Gautam Gambhir leading from the front striking a couple of superb half-centuries to guide the team to victory.
With mystery spinner Sunil Narine around, the MI would definitely be wary of Kolkata's bowling unit.
41.80
Kieron Pollard's average in IPL-7. The hard-hitter has scored 277 runs in nine games
