IPL 2022 MI vs KKR match: 5 key players to watch out for today

In today’s IPL match, Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will square off against Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians (MI). KKR have been in a decent form so far in the tournament, winning two out of three games. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have started their campaign on a dismal note. The five-time IPL champions have lost the two games they played so far against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

But today, Mumbai Indians have a psychological advantage over KKR. Going by the history, if there is one team against which KKR have struggled, it is Mumbai Indians. The two sides have faced each other in 29 games. Out of these, Mumbai have won 22 matches while KKR have won only 7.

But still, KKR look rejuvenated this time around. The team is riding high on the success of its last match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer, Umesh Yadav seem in tremendous form. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have in-form Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and a good bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Murugan Ashwin.

Here are five players to watch out for in today’s match:

1. ANDRE RUSSELL, KKR

The fiery all-rounder, who is in great form this season, will be a key player for KKR; and Mumbai Indians will be hoping to not let him score easy runs. Russell comes in to bat in the middle of the innings, when the spinners are introduced. The West Indian is a very good player of the spin and can take away the match from the opposition in no time.

2. ISHAN KISHAN, MI

At Rs 15.25 crore, Ishan Kishan is the most expensive player in IPL history. In the 11th season of IPL, Mumbai Indians had roped in Ishan ahead of Aditya Tare. The gamble paid off, and since then, he has been with Mumbai. The franchise was in no mood to let go of him and hence, shed a massive amount to have him back on the team.

His performance so far has justified his price. In the first match against Delhi, Ishan scored 81 off just 48 balls, while in the second game he made 54 off 43. He opens the innings for Mumbai. Tonight, he will be up against the bowling attack of Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee.

3. UMESH YADAV, KKR

Umesh Yadav is also in very good form this year. So far, in the three games that he has played, he has clinched 8 wickets. In the last match against Punjab Kings, Yadav, in his spell of four overs, took four wickets while conceding only 23 runs. His economy rate has been below six runs per over so far. It will be interesting to see how he plays against the likes of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma today.

4. JASPRIT BUMRAH, MI

Jasprit Bumrah is Mumbai Indians' counter to Umesh Yadav. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in international cricket today in all three formats. He was retained by Mumbai at a price of Rs 12 crore.

The best thing about Bumrah is his ability to bowl yorkers at will, which very few bowlers can. Yorkers are one of the most difficult deliveries to bowl for any bowler. It can be a lethal delivery if done right; but if one gets it wrong, the ball turns into a full-toss and the batter can score runs easily on them. Bumrah is also one of those very few bowlers whose economy rate is very good, mostly under 5, in T-20 cricket. Today, he will be facing Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell.

5. SUNIL NARINE, KKR

Sunil Narine has also been quite consistent this season. Though he has taken only two wickets in three matches, his economy rate has compensated for it as he has given below five runs per over. Narine mixes his deliveries well. He has the ability to stop the likes of Kieron Pollard and Rohit Sharma of Mumbai Indians.

Batting down the line-up, Narine can also hit some big shots. In fact, for KKR, he has emerged as a very good hitter. It will be interesting to see how the West Indian all-rounder plays today.

The match will take place on April 6, 2022 at 7.30 pm at the MCA Stadium in Pune, Maharashtra.