Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first at Chepauk in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). MI who have had much success while chasing big totals were expected to field first but they decided against it after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) successfully defended a 173-run target against Gujarat Titans in qualifier. Rohit made just one change in the side as he replaced Kumar Kartikeya with Hritihik Shokeen.
“Typical Chennai wicket, looks good at the moment, don't know how much wear and tear will happen. Back in Mumbai we want to chase, this ground here with a longer boundary, it's better to put up a score. The boys are upbeat about it, we have qualified and we are here. There have been ups and downs, but we have learnt a lot, and learnt what we can do as a team. We are ready for this game. We have one change, Karikeya is out, Shokeen is in,” Rohit said after winning the toss.
Krunal Pandya brought back underperforming Deepak Hooda in place of Karan Sharma. They are likely to bring either Kyle Mayers as impact player instead of Quinton de Kock.
“It has been an up and down season, but we have fought and never gave up. We have match winners, it's a team effort from us, that's a really good sign. We have covered all bases, just need to execute our skills. We would have batted first as well, but now we have to play some good cricket,” Krunal said at the coin toss.
Head-to-head
MI have had a poor record against LSG. The defending champions have faced LSG three times and have lost all three games. Earlier this season, MI were denied a win while chasing by left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan despite having big-hitters Tim David and Cameron Green in the middle.
LSG Playing XI: Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Prerak Mankad, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran(w), Krunal Pandya(c), Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan
MI Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Tilak Varma, Chris Jordan, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal
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