After losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Super Over, the Mumbai Indians will face Kings XI Punjab in their next contest on Thursday. The biggest pressure point for MI will be the form of KXIP captain KL Rahul. The wicketkeeper-hitter has been in a tremendous bunt, he’s already scored a ton and fifty this season. Rahul is the current Orange Cap wearer (at the time of writing), and MI will have a difficult task ahead of him to get his window in asap. (Total IPL coverage 2020)
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In a media interaction, MI bowling coach Shane Bond said that he had already planned a meeting with his bowlers to discuss the plan to get Rahul’s wicket early in the game.
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“KL Rahul has had runs against us in the last few games and he is a brilliant player. We have our bowling meeting this afternoon, in terms of our planning for our opponents who are playing well. KL is a dynamic player, who scores all over the field, ”said the former Kiwi running back.
“We also know that he (Rahul) takes his time generally during intermissions, so maybe that’s an opportunity to create some pressure on him and the hitters around him.
“We will have specific ideas on how to get it out. In the end, we cannot allow him (Rahul) to score in the areas where he is very, very strong. Scores way above for extra coverage, scoop on thin leg.
“We have a quality bowling alley, we just have to pressure them. Mind you, both of Kings XI Punjab’s key hitters played brilliantly so far.
“If we can create some pressure and get those guys out early, and put a little more pressure on that early middle order, we can restrict them to one score, keep them from scoring (big) runs,” Bond said.
KXIP also lost their previous encounter against the Rajasthan Royals, despite putting 224 runs on the board. KXIP’s biggest concern going into their game will be its bowling unit, and the Mumbai Indians will be looking to exploit the same. “We have reasonable confidence with our batting lineup. They’ve had some good runs on the board so far and we’re a tough batting order to stop. We’ve played on this course twice so we know what to expect with the conditions so that should help us a bit, ”Bond concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
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