The last time these two teams met was in the tournament opener in UAE. Back then, Mumbai Indians were considered firm favourites being the defending champions while Kolkata Knight Riders were expected to face a struggle. A lot has changed since that match almost a month ago. As a result, Mumbai will no longer go into the latest clash against KKR as favourites. They have won three out of their last four games, but the five losses to begin IPL 7 has put their chances of defending the trophy in serious danger.
After a confident start against Mumbai, Kolkata slipped a bit courtesy some poor application and lack of common sense at times. Slowly, but surely though they have brought their campaign back on track. Four wins in 9 matches means they find themselves at number four in the points table. In the context of the tournament, their performance against Kings XI Punjab was extremely important. Even Chennai Super Kings failed to stop their batting juggernaut twice, but Kolkata’s bowlers managed to restrict Punjab’s ultra-dangerous batting line-up and hand them a shock win. The impressive triumph should give them plenty of confidence as they head into the clash against Mumbai.
A lot of credit for Kolkata’s victory over Punjab went to their bowlers, and deservedly so. Piyush Chawla and Morne Morkel were excellent. Considering the line-up that Punjab possesses, Kolkata needed something special from their bowlers, and Chawla and Morkel delivered exactly that. So brilliant was the duo in stifling Punjab’s batting, Sunil Narine was content playing the supporting role for a change. The in-form bowling line up should present a serious challenge for Mumbai in the match on Wednesday. If they can get their act right again, Kolkata could put Mumbai’s batsmen under serious pressure.
Like their bowling, Kolkata’s batting has also been on an upward curve. Gautam Gambhir’s string of ducks now seem like a thing of the past. In the last couple of matches, he has risen to the occasion and led from the front with the bat. When Gambhir is in form, Kolkata becoming a doubly dangerous side since he can play those big, match-winning knocks. Gambhir has been aided well at the top by Robin Uthappa, who has put behind his personal troubles and shown the desired level of consistency. Manish Pandey is another batsman who is making good use of his opportunities.
In the points table, Mumbai may seem down and out, but in reality they are on the rise, although it may be a case of a little too late. Still, there is nothing to lose for Mumbai. They can go all out in every game, and try to keep themselves in contention for a place in the playoffs till the end. Skipper Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Corey Anderson and Ambati Rayudu, all have hit form in recent times. Their bowling also clicked against Sunrisers Hyderabad. If they continue in the same vein, who knows where they might end up. They shouldn’t die wondering.
--By A Cricket Analyst
