Cummins To Dismiss Rohit, Head To Thrash Bumrah? 5 Player Battles For MI Vs SRH

Abhishek Sharma in action. (X)

In the upcoming Match 55 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While Mumbai Indians have struggled in the playoff race, securing just three wins in 11 matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the fourth position in the points table with six wins in 10 games. 

A victory here could propel them closer to securing a spot in the next round. Earlier in the season, SRH emerged victorious against MI in a high-scoring encounter. With 22 matches between them, Mumbai Indians have won 12, while Sunrisers Hyderabad has clinched victory in 10 encounters.

Given the batting prowess of both teams, an intense battle is expected at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday night. Here are the top five player battles to keep an eye on before the action unfolds.

---

ALSO READ

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report For MI Vs SRH IPL 2024 Match

---

Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins

After a good start to the season, Rohit Sharma has been quiet in the last few games. Across his last four innings, the MI opener has amassed just 29 runs at an average of 7.25, with his scores reading 11, 4, 8, 6. However, at his home ground, he will look to get a big one against the Orange Army. But it looks like it won't be easy for him because he will be up against Pat Cummins, who has dismissed him twice in just 23 balls.

Travis Head vs Jasprit Bumrah

Head has been one of SRH’s standout batters this season. He has attacked both spinners and pacers equally well. In the last game against MI, he gave his team a brisk start along with Abhishek Sharma. He has been at his best, and Jasprit Bumrah is MI’s best bowler and going by record, the best bowler of the season. These two will certainly produce a great match-up in the game. Last time, Head survived Bumrah’s spell, and MI’s fast bowling spearhead will be looking to get the SRH opener for the first time in IPL. He has already dismissed Head thrice in international cricket.

Suryakumar Yadav vs T. Natarajan

When Suryakumar Yadav finds his rhythm, bowlers find themselves at a loss for strategies. His adaptability and versatility make him a formidable opponent in this format. Teams often deploy their top bowlers when he steps onto the field, and SRH should follow suit. T Natarajan has been SRH's standout performer, claiming 15 wickets in eight games this season. The left-arm pacer will be eager to dismiss Suryakumar. Interestingly, Natarajan has bowled only 11 balls to SKY in his IPL career, conceding just 5 runs. This battle promises to be cruical for the match's outcome.

Abhishek Sharma vs Piyush Chawla

Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a prolific six-hitter this season, especially against spinners. However, his aggressive approach could potentially become his downfall. MI might aim to exploit this vulnerability, with Piyush Chawla, who has dismissed Abhishek twice before, likely to play a crucial role.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Gerald Coetzee

The upcoming clash will also feature a Proteas duel between the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen and fiery Gerald Coetzee. Klaasen is known for his silent but deadly batting style, while Coetzee is more confrontational. In their previous encounter this season, Coetzee conceded 14 runs off 8 balls to Klaasen, and he'll be keen to level the score this time around.

---

ALSO READ

Wankhede Stadium IPL Records Ahead Of MI vs SRH

---