IPL 2020: KKR vs MI Game 5 Preview and Predicted Playing 11

KKR vs MI IPL 2020: Batting heavy Kolkata Knight Riders take on depleted Mumbai Indians as we look at the Preview, predicted 11 and top fantasy picks. 

Match Details:

IPL 2020 – KKR v MI Match Preview:

It is match 5 of Dream 11 IPL 2020, and we have the two-times champion, Kolkata Knight Riders taking on depleted Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi. MI’s first game didn’t go according to the plan as they were undone by some brilliant batting by CSK batsmen, and some astute captaincy of MS Dhoni. They are yet to get off the mark in UAE having suffered a sixth successive loss here. 

They are now up against Kolkata Knight Riders, who would be playing their maiden match of the tournament. After finishing in the top 4 in 2018, KKR didn’t have a good outing in 2019 as some flawed tactics by team management and poor performance left them in the bottom half of the points table. 

Come to 2020, KKR look extremely strong in the batting and all-rounders category, but it is their pace bowling that looks weak. They definitely have many options, but all their Indian bowlers are inexperienced. It would be an interesting setup for KKR as they would need their young guns to fire if they have to go far in the tournament. 

IPL 2020 KKR vs MI Predicted XIs: 

Kolkata Knight Riders have four strong overseas players in the form of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan, and Pat Cummins, and these would definitely feature tomorrow. The only selection dilemma for KKR would be the two Indian pacers. Prasidh Krishna should definitely be one of the pacer, and the other should be one of Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, or Sandeep Warrier. 

IPL 2020 KKR vs MI – Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted 11:

Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Pat Cummins, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti / Shivam Mavi / Sandeep Warrier

Mumbai Indians made two interesting decisions in the playing 11 for the first match. They played Saurabh Tiwari above Ishan Kishan and James Pattinson made his debut for MI even though Mitchell McCleneghan was available for selection. Both the players did well so expect Mumbai Indians to stick to the same 11. 

IPL 2020 KKR vs MI – Mumbai Indians Predicted 11:

Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwari, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, James Pattinson, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Top Fantasy Picks:

Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Eoin Morgan

Rohit Sharma failed to get going in the first match, but looked in good flow during his presence. While the pitch may again be on the slower side, the fact that Rohit would be up against his favourite opposition, KKR is a huge positive. Additionally, after the loss, Rohit should play more sensibly. 

Shubman Gill won the Emerging Player of the year award in 2019, and since then has seen himself in the contention for the Indian team too. The lad is definitely the future for Team India. He would mostly open, and seeing his performance against MI last year, he is a sure shot pick. 

Eoin Morgan is KKR’s solution to middle-order woes they faced in 2019. He has been in fine touch playing at 4 for England in the limited-overs cricket. While his IPL performance may have been slightly dull, it shouldn’t bother him much as he is coming off a good form. 

All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Hardik Pandya, and Andre Russell

KKR must not make the blunder that they did last time by not playing Narine at the top. He has done extremely well at that position, and even in recent CPL, he did well as an opener. Apart from his valuable 4 overs, he is sure to give you valuable batting points if he opens. 

The last time Hardik Pandya and Andre Russell faced each other, they both went berserk in the batting department scoring 91 and 80 runs respectively. While it is to be seen if they bowl due to injury issues, they are for certain should be selected purely for their batting. 

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Pat Cummins

Jasprit Bumrah had a poor outing in the first match against CSK taking a solo wicket, and giving more than 40 runs on a slow pitch. But, we all know what a champion bowler he is, and expect him to be back in form. Moreover, he would play a crucial role if MI need to win this match. 

Trent Boult had a good outing in the first match against CSK. With the pitch expected to perform the same, expect Boult to get movement. Pat, on the other hand, would be making his debut for KKR. Given the bowling-friendly conditions, Pat would be itching to go on this surface. 

Captain & Vice-Captain Pick: Rohit Sharma and Sunil Narine 

Thanks for reading! Who do you think would win the match between KKR and MI? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com

ALSO READ: IPL 2020 UAE: Top 5 Most Consistent Batsmen in the history of IPL

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Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.