KKR vs MI IPL 2019 preview: KKR’s desperate attempt to stay alive

This is not how it was supposed to pan out after the initial phase of IPL 2019. KKR started with a bang riding on Andre Russell’s freak genius while Mumbai was struggling in the beginning.

But 11 matches later here we are with Mumbai in a comfortable position with seven wins while KKR at the brink of getting knocked out with just four wins in 11 games.

Kolkata have plenty of answers to find but importantly need to find a way to neutralise Mumbai’s bowling which has serious versatility. Can KKR keep themselves alive?

Form Guide:

Rohit Sharma has just scored a good fifty while Evin Lewis did well in the middle-order. With Hardik and Pollard strong in the middle-order things are going well for Mumbai.

The bowling too looks fine with Rahul Chahar stepping up and Malinga weaving his magic.

? We face KKR for the first time in #IPL2019 and here's all that you need to read?#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #KKRvMI https://t.co/5iFJXbaQtU

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 27, 2019

Key Numbers:

• Mumbai Indians enjoy supreme dominance over KKR. In 23 matches played between the two teams, Mumbai have defeated KKR 15 times.

• Mumbai’s stronghold is evident especially in the recent times. Mumbai has won all last eight games against KKR which means KKR are yet to defeat Mumbai since IPL 2015.

Also check the DC vs RCB IPL 2019 match preview

Players in focus:

By scoring a composed 32 run inning against CSK, Evin Lewis has kick-started his IPL 2019 campaign on the right note. A strike rate of 163.75 in T20Is reflects his value and at Eden Gardens he can be expected to play a major role.

Andre Russell has struck only three sixes in his last two innings which is uncharacteristic of him in this season of IPL but he can never be discarded.

Do not miss out on the DC vs RCB IPL 2019 match prediction

The KKR batsman has hammered 406 runs in IPL 2019 at a whopping strike rate of 209.27 and has shown on more than one occasion that he can turn matches single-handedly. Watch his duel against Malinga where we might see some change of pace deliveries along with yorkers.