IPL 2019, MI vs KXIP: Mumbai opt to ball; Rohit misses out, Siddhesh Lad makes debut

While Punjab are high on confidence as they hold the third position, it’s going to be a tough game for Mumbai as they take the field without Rohit Sharma

The 3-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) are all set to host R Ashwin’s Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday evening. Punjab are high on confidence as they are placed on the third spot on the points table and they would eye another victory on a row. On the other hand, it’s going to be a tough game for Mumbai as they take the field without Rohit Sharma as he sustained an injury during the practice session on Tuesday. The toss: MI have won the toss and they will be bowling first. Captain Rohit Sharma misses out due to a hamstring injury while Kieron Pollard steps in his shoes for the match. At the same time, young Mumbai batsman Siddhesh Lad makes his debut for MI after waiting for five long years. “We will bowl first because of the dew factor. We don't think wicket will change much here at the Wankhede stadium. Rohit is fine but as a precautionary measure, we have decided to give him as a rest. Siddhesh lad comes in place of Rohit. He has waited for 5 years to make his debut,” said Pollard. KXIP have made two changes for the game. Karun Nair comes in for Mayank Agarwal and Hardus Viljoen replaces Mujeeb Ur Rahman. “We would have bowled first too but teams have defended well on this track. We have a forced change in our team, Mayank has not recovered from his finger injury so Karun Nair will replace him. And Hardus Viljoen also comes back in the team. He will replace Mujeeb. Spinners have struggled to bowl 8 overs on this pitch so we have added an extra seamer,” said Ashwin. Here are the Playing XIs: MI: Siddhesh Lad, Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard(c), Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Alzarri Joseph, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah KXIP: Lokesh Rahul(w), Chris Gayle, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Sam Curran, Hardus Viljoen, Mohammed Shami, Ankit Rajpoot