IPL 2019 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians taking place? Sunday 28th April, 15:30 (UK)
Where is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians taking place? Eden Gardens, Mumbai
What is the expected weather for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? 34-36c with sunshine and 40% humidity forecast
What channel is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport ESPN
Where can I stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Kolkata Knight Riders W5, Mumbai Indians W18
Last meeting: Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 102 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Coach: Jacques Kallis
Captain: Dinesh Karthik
- Kolkata Knight Riders are in freefall right now having lost their last six matches to slip out of the top four and they will have to snap an eight-game losing run against Mumbai Indians if they are to do that.
- KKR may well contemplate more changes to their side as they try spark a reaction so Aussie pace bowler Matt Kelly could be a surprise inclusion in the side but there is a good chance that they will bring Kuldeep Yadav back into the side with the pitch in Kolkata favouring spinners right now.
- Their better performances have typically come when batting second and chasing so they will be desperate to win the toss here with dew a potential factor also, but they need their top order batsmen to click into gear desperately as they continue to rely too much on Karthik and Russell.
MUMBAI INDIANS
Coach: Mahela Jayawardene
Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Mumbai Indians have won three of their last four matches and know that one win will seal their top four place and they face a Knight Riders team who they have beaten in their last eight meetings.
- Evin Lewis and Anukul Roy both came into the side last time out and played well so the duo should keep their places while they may decide to rest veteran Lasith Malinga for this match and bring recent signing Beuran Hendricks into the side to see how he fares as both Malinga and Bumrah will be due a rest in one of their remaining three matches.
- Krunal Pandya’s struggles with the bat continue but they seem likely to persist with him in the hope that he can find some form though it would not be a surprise if they do make one or two changes to keep the side fresh.
THE PREDICTION
There is plenty on the line here for Kolkata Knight Riders as they simply have to win to break this run of six defeats or they risk falling out of contention completely for the top four. Mumbai Indians are in fine form and have beaten them in the last eight meetings so they will be confident. KKR have plenty of deficiencies in their play with the bowling fragile and their top order so inconsistent. Everything other than home advantage favours Mumbai Indians and even an Andre Russell special seems unlikely given his ailments and declining form.
