KXIP vs MI, IPL 2016, Match 21 at Mohali: Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Johnson and other key battles

Both the teams have endured defeats in their previous encounters and will look for resurrection of fortunes in this game.

An impulsive Mumbai Indians will take on bottom-dwellers Kings XI Punjab in the 21st game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 at Mohali on Monday. Both the teams have endured defeats in their previous encounters and will look for resurrection of fortunes in this game. For MI, Rohit Sharma has been in tremendous form and has scored runs on a consistent basis, whereas KXIP’s Murali Vijay has been in good touch. The contest between these two franchises will feature few key battles that will keep the fans on their feet. Check out some of the key battles on the results of which the fate of the game will be based on. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2016, Match 21 at Mohali

Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Johnson: Rohit has been the key for MI at the top, as he has led the team with example so far. His early dismissal is always a boon for the opposition; and if KXIP is eyeing to create an upset, then it is pivotal to get rid of Rohit early on in the innings. To do so, their strike bowler Mitchell Johnson will have to step up and take the charge and get the job done for his side. Though he was dropped for the last few games, he is expected to play this one and will have to deliver if he is eyeing to be a mainstay.

Martin Guptill vs Sandeep Sharma: Guptill is likely to get a nod in this game as he has featured in just a solitary game so far, where he failed to make an impact. Guptill is an explosive batsman; he has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in the Powerplay overs. His early kill will certainly steer the KXIP side to a dominating position, and the right man for this task could well be Sandeep Sharma. Guptill does not look comfortable when the ball is moving; and Sandeep, undoubtedly, gets the ball moving that can create trouble for the elegant right-handed New Zealander.

Krunal Pandya vs Akshar Patel: Krunal has been a delight to watch in the ongoing IPL. He’s been instrumental with the bat and has garnered some priceless runs at a brisk pace. The southpaw will probably bat in the middle-order when Akshar will be in action. The battle between these two will be an interesting one as both of them have read each other’s game well in the domestic circuit while playing for Baroda. Akshar is a wily left-arm spinner and will surely test Krunal’s prowess with his guile.

Murali Vijay vs Tim Southee: Vijay has been in good form for the languishing KXIP side and will once again look to get his team off to a good start; but to do so; he will have to tackle the fiery Tim Southee. The latter has been lethal with the new ball with his menacing pace and swing. Vijay will have a tough time in confronting him and this will be one of the most awaited battles of this game.

Shaun Marsh vs Mitchell McClenaghan: Marsh has shown signs of rediscovering his mojo with the bat in last two outings, where he scored 56* and 40 respectively. With most of the star players in the KXIP dug out being out of form, the onus of scoring big runs lies on Marsh’s shoulder. However, his weaknesses early on in the innings can take a toll on him, especially the swinging ones. McClenaghan is one of the most successful bowlers in the league and will look to scalp the consistent horse from the KXIP dugout.

Glenn Maxwell vs Harbhajan Singh: Maxwell’s love for off-spin is well known, and it’s a proven fact the amount of damage he can inflict once he gets going. Of late, Maxwell has been in an awful form but will fancy his chances against the off-spin of Harbhajan. He can take on any bowling attack with his attack approach and this is where Harbhajan’s experience will come into play. He has done it in the past and will look emulate the same with the prized wicket of Maxwell.

(Suraj Choudhari is a reporter with Criclife and CricketCountry. He is an avid follower of the game, and plays the sport at club level. He has a radical understanding about the subtle nuances and intricacies of cricket, and tries to express it through paper and pen.)