Table-toppers Mumbai Indians, the first team to secure a berth in the 2017 <keyword id="6354831" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Premier-League">Indian Premier League</keyword> (<keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword>) playoffs, are all set to take on a confident Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. 
 
Mumbai, sitting atop the IPL standings with nine wins and three losses, will be looking to shrug off their performance in the last match, where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets.

IPL 2017, MI vs KXIP: Table
leader Mumbai to take on confident Punjab

Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will look to continue their sublime run when they take on struggling Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in an <keyword id="6354831" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Premier-League">Indian Premier League</keyword> (<keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword>) tie at the Holkar Stadium here on Thursday. 
 
Sitting at the second spot with four wins in five matches, Mumbai seemed superior on the current form and paper as in contrast, Punjab have lost their last three matches in the league.

IPL 2017, MI vs KXIP: Can
Maxwell break the cold streak against Mumbai?

The seventh edition of the Indian Premier League produced several memorable moments engineered by uncapped Indian players across the eight franchises. From game-turning to tournament-winning, gocricket.com takes a look at the uncapped players who made a telling impact from their performances during the 2014 season. 
 
Akshar Patel, <keyword id="13883" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kings-XI-Punjab">Kings XI Punjab</keyword> 
17 matches, 62 runs, highest score 42*, 17 wickets, economy 6.13, best bowling 3/24 
 
The Gujarat left-arm spinner, 20, impressed with his control and variation for KXIP right from the first game and went on to feature in all the games ahead of the much-experienced Murali Kartik, finishing with 17 wickets, one behind Sandeep Sharma and tied with Mitchell Johnson for the franchise. His economy rate of 6.13 was a tournament best among players with more than three games and even bettered that of Sunil Narine, which gave a sense of the hold he kept during the middle overs. His 42* against Delhi Daredevils took KXIP to victory in a tense chase which highlighted his all-round skills. He was later rewarded with a call-up to the national side for the ODI series in Bangladesh. 
 
Manan Vohra, Kings XI Punjab 
8 matches, 324 runs, strike rate 139.05, highest score 67 
 KXIP retained the uncapped Manan Vohra, showing faith in the Punjab batsman after he promised in his debut season in 2013. But Vohra wasn't part of the playing XI in the first half of the tournament as KXIP preferred Cheteshwar Pujara over him to partner the volatile Virender Sehwag. Pujara was replaced by Mandeep Singh, and it was only after Mandeep's failure that Vohra finally got his chance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a game where he produced an eye-catching knock that included two sixes off Dale Steyn. He cemented his place after that and reserved his best for the last, as his 67 anchored KXIP in the <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword> final. Vohra showed big-match temperament, but will have to improve on his running between wickets. 
 
Sandeep Sharma, Kings XI Punjab 
11 matches, 18 wickets, economy 8.81, best bowling 3/15 
 
KXIP emerged the biggest contributor to the 'best uncapped players' list with Sandeep Sharma becoming the third entry from the team. Sandeep was the pick of the KXIP fast bowlers with 18 wickets from 11 games and made an impact immediately after he was drafted into the team. His opening spells proved pivotal as he swung the new ball to snare early wickets, twice dismissing Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli off successive balls. He wasn't as effective when the ball didn't swing, going for plenty in the final few games indicating inexperience. Still 20, Sandeep will become a better bowler by adding an extra yard of pace and with experience. 
 
Yuzvendra Chahal, <keyword id="12643" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers">Royal Challengers</keyword> Bangalore 
14 matches, 12 wickets, economy 7.01, best figures 2/17 
 
In a tournament that will be remembered for its legspinners, Yuzvendra Chahal was one of the standout exponents, proving to be the bright spot in a forgettable season for RCB. Chahal's exploits playing junior level chess for India were often spoken about, hinting at his ability as a thinking bowler. Chahal picked up 12 wickets and bowled with great accuracy, holding his own against some of the hardest hitters in the game. Karanveer Singh, the KXIP legspinner, warrants special mention as he picked up 11 wickets from just the five games he played, and even though he went for runs in the final, he ended up with four key wickets. 
 
Karun Nair, <keyword id="13802" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Royals">Rajasthan Royals</keyword> 
11 matches, 330 runs, strike rate 142.24, highest score 73* 
 
Rajasthan Royals have showed the propensity to unearth promising talent in the IPL, and this season was no different as Karnataka batsman Karun Nair made handy contributions opening the innings with Ajinkya Rahane. Two of Nair's major contributions came in games where other RR batsmen were found wanting, against RCB and Mumbai Indians. Against MI in the last league game, it was on the back of Nair and Sanju Samson's crucial partnership that helped RR post a big total. 
 
Pravin Tambe, Rajasthan Royals 
13 matches, 15 wickets, economy 7.26, best figures 4/20 
 After impressing in the 2013 Champions League, 42-year-old Tambe earned a first-class debut for Mumbai last season, before ending the season with an impressive IPL 7. The legspinner was difficult to put away as he finished the tournament with 15 wickets and took the first hat-trick of the season in a match-winning effort against <keyword id="6354467" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kolkata-Knight-Riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</keyword>. He made the list just ahead of fellow legspinner Karn Sharma, who had an equally impressive season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but played one game more for his 15 wickets. 
 
Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians 
11 matches, 5 wickets, economy 7.58, best figures 2/22 
 Mumbai Indians direly missed the services of Lasith Malinga after he left to join Sri Lanka for the tour of England, but Gujarat pacer Jasprit Bumrah filled in admirably for his more illustrious teammate. Bumrah finished with just five wickets from 11 games, but he bowled plenty of overs in the Powerplay as well as in the death, and led the line in the absence of the injured <keyword id="12644" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Zaheer-Khan">Zaheer Khan</keyword> first and Malinga later. His ability to fire in yorkers consistently with an unorthodox action meant he kept things quiet with a tournament economy of 7.58. 
 
Manish Pandey, Kolkata Knight Riders 
16 matches, 401 runs, strike rate 117.94, highest score 94 
 
After arriving in the IPL with a century five years ago, Manish Pandey's contributions largely went unnoticed in between. This season, however, Pandey benefited from being a consistent member of the side and the clarity of being KKR's No 3 batsman. He made handy contributions throughout the tournament but brought out his best in the final. His game-changing 94 in a chase of 200 took KKR to their second IPL title and earned him a Man-of-the-Match award. 
 
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The Best Uncapped Players Of IPL 7

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/35468362.cms" />The race to the <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword> 7 play-offs has become tense. One more week to go and two teams - <keyword id="13883" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kings-XI-Punjab">Kings XI Punjab</keyword> and <keyword id="13886" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chennai-Super-Kings">Chennai Super Kings</keyword> have confirmed their places in the top-four. Only Delhi Daredevils are out of contention with as many as five teams fighting it out for the remaining two spots. Here, gocricket.com takes a look at the top moments from week five. 

	Simmons leads MI recovery <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword> have managed to keep their slim hopes of a play-off spot alive with vital wins against two of the top three teams of this season, with Lendl Simmons playing a leading role both times. First they outsmarted <keyword id="13802" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Royals">Rajasthan Royals</keyword> at their second home in Motera after reading the surface correctly and including an extra spinner, that eventually made the difference. MI used three spinners compared to RR's lone spinner and won the game by 25 runs to stay in the fray. Simmons scored a brisk 62 in an opening stand of 121, which was Mumbai's best start in 40 matches. 
	 

	Against Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday, Simmons hit the first century of the season with an unbeaten 100 off 61 balls to lead their chase of 157. If they win their remaining two games and a few other results go their way, MI could qualify for the play-offs of a tournament at the beginning of which they lost five consecutive games. 
	 

	Seven in a row for DD
 

	At the other end of the spectrum are the Daredevils, who in the past seven days continued their miserable run with two more defeats which extended their losing run to seven in a row. This season they have won only two games - both during the UAE leg of the tournament - meaning they are the only team yet to taste victory in India. The Delhi-based franchise continues to languish at the bottom of the points table and with just two games remaining, have nothing but pride to play for. The closest they came to a win was against KXIP at the Feroz Shah Kotla where the match went into the final over. However, as their legspinner Imran Tahir observed, luck has deserted the team.
 

	Pollard leaves Motera stunned
 

	Against RR at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Kieron Pollard took what could be the catch of the season to dismiss Kevon Cooper. Cooper's back-foot swap appeared set to end up behind the long-on boundary, but suddenly encountered Pollard on its way as the West Indian leapt, caught the ball one-handed, found himself pushed over the ropes due to momentum but somehow kept his balance to throw the ball back in play. Pollard recovered in a flash, then ran in, dived forward and caught the ball - all within a few seconds. It was seriously exhilarating viewing.
 

	Watto gets it wrong
 

	Call it complacency or plain misjudgement on the part of Royals, who made four changes to their line-up against MI in the same match - resting the formidable trio of Pravin Tambe, Ajinkya Rahane and Steven Smith. On a pitch assisting spinners, Mumbai replaced one of their batsmen with an extra spinner in Shreyas Gopal and the unheralded legspinnner, in his first T20 match ever, picked two wickets. Royals had just one specialist spinner in Ankit Sharma whereas MI had three - each of them picking two wickets.
 

	Shining knight
 Robin Uthappa has climbed the batting charts to be now placed at No. 2 in the top run-getters list of IPL 7 and his consistency has helped <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> Knight Riders to five successive wins. Twice in the past week, against <keyword id="1494441" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sunrisers-Hyderabad">Sunrisers Hyderabad</keyword> and Chennai Super Kings, they emerged winners thanks largely to Uthappa's solid presence at the top. He scored 40 against SRH and then at Eden Gardens, clobbered 10 boundaries in his 67 to lead another successful chase. Uthappa's 489 runs have been scored at an average 40.75 and a strike rate that touches 134. His consistency has led many to suggest that a return to the national side is imminent. 

	Burden off Dhawan's shoulders 
 

	Just about half an hour before their 11th game of the season, SRH surprised everyone with the appointment of a new captain in Darren Sammy. A poor show with the bat worked against Shikhar Dhawan as the SRH top brass took the 'extra burden' off his shoulders so as to help him focus on his batting. It seems to have worked as Dhawan scored his first fifty of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore, giving SRH a new lease of life for a final four finish.

Weekly Review: Race For The Play-Offs Heats Up

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/34817839.cms" />The third week of IPL 7 in India was probably more exciting than the previous two weeks in the UAE thanks to some great individual performances and a big run-in between <keyword id="61632" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kieron-Pollard">Kieron Pollard</keyword> and Mitchell Starc. Here, gocricket.com chronicles the eye-catching events that unfolded over the course of last week. 
 
Tambe spins magic with first hat-trick this season 
 At the age of 42, <keyword id="13802" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rajasthan-Royals">Rajasthan Royals</keyword> legspinner Tambe is having the time of his life. Look at his performances in the tournament from day one, he has been nothing short of brilliant. However, this week Tambe took his game to another level and helped RR register a win from an unlikely position against Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on May 5. Chasing 171 to win, the Gautam Gambhir-led KKR were cruising at one time at 121 for 0 in 14 overs before RR captain <keyword id="6378477" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Shane-Watson">Shane Watson</keyword> took three wickets in an over to provide a big opening for his team. However, it was Tambe's hat-trick in the next over that actually put the nail in KKR's coffin. The wickets of Manish Pandey, <keyword id="18938" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Yusuf-Pathan">Yusuf Pathan</keyword> and Ryan ten Doeschate broke KKR's back badly and they ended up losing the match by 10 runs. Tambe's performance this season has proved that age has little significance nowadays in cricket and that it's fitness and willingness to do well that shapes a player's career. 
 
de Villiers breaks run-drought in style 
 It was long coming. AB de Villiers had an ordinary season prior to <keyword id="6354506" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers-Bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</keyword>'s game against <keyword id="1494441" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sunrisers-Hyderabad">Sunrisers Hyderabad</keyword> on May 4 and when Virat Kohli's men were reduced to 59 for 4 in 10.1 overs chasing 159 to win, it appeared the match was as good as gone for RCB. Against all odds, de Villiers launched a rearguard action and smashed 89* off 41 balls with the help of six fours and eight sixes to see his side home in the last over. While de Villiers punished all SRH bowlers, his face-off with fellow South African and arguably the greatest bowler in the world at present, <keyword id="12829" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Dale-Steyn">Dale Steyn</keyword>, will be remembered for many years to come. In the penultimate over of the innings, de Viliers took 24 runs off Steyn, hitting three sixes and a four to turn the match on its head. 
 
Pollard-Starc altercation 
 The game between <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword> and <keyword id="12643" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers">Royal Challengers</keyword> Bangalore on May 6 will long be remembered for an ugly altercation between Kieron Pollard and Mitchell Starc. The run-in - towards the end of MI's innings - that saw the West Indian and the Australian almost come to blows, influenced the outcome of the match a great deal as MI took 54 runs off last 20 balls, thanks largely to captain <keyword id="13937" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rohit-Sharma">Rohit Sharma</keyword>'s 59 off 35 balls, to post a mammoth 187 for 5. 
 
The drama began in the 17th over when Starc used some pretty choice language against Pollard after beating him with a bouncer. The West Indian disdainfully signed to Starc to go away, and off the next ball backed away from the crease at the last minute. Starc, instead of stopping himself, followed the West Indian on the legside and almost hit him, leaving a seething Pollard to throw his bat towards the bowler in a menacing way. 
 
However, the West Indian had the last laugh when he took a simple catch at extra cover to send Starc (5) back to the pavilion off the bowling of Lasith Malinga. Not just that, earlier in the match he had also accounted for the dangerous Yuvraj Singh's run out (6) using his footballing skills to great effect. 
 
The IPL Governing Council later on Wednesday fined both Pollard and Starc for breaching its code of conduct. 
 
Maxwell at it once again 
 Orange Cap holder Glenn Maxwell (435 runs in seven matches) fuelled his legend further smashing 90 off 38 balls in Kings XI Punjab's 44-run win over <keyword id="13886" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chennai-Super-Kings">Chennai Super Kings</keyword> on May 7. The Australian put on view the switch-hit several times hitting eight sixes and six fours and it surely was his innings that made the difference. His approach against R Ashwin was particularly impressive. The India offspinner is normally very effective bowling around the wicket, but not against Maxwell on Wednesday evening. The Big Show smashed back-to-back sixes in the 11th over against the India offspinner who looked befuddled not knowing where he should land the ball, bowling two wides to boot. Things changed drastically after Ashwin's over, with KXIP scoring 162 in the last 10 overs to finish on 231 for 4. With the win against MS Dhoni's men, KXIP made it back to the top of the table with six wins in seven matches, while CSK go down to second after their second defeat in eight matches. 
 
Delhi Daredevils' sorry state 
 Delhi Daredevils took the wooden spoon last season and looking at their performance so far it seems another is on their way. The team under Kevin Pietersen looks absolutely spineless, especially in the bowling department. DD's defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on May 7 was their sixth in eight matches and the way Pietersen ran himself out tells a great deal about his current state of mind. The former England batsman tapped a Shakib-al-Hasan delivery to offside and ran away for a single straight away, head down and without looking at non-striker batsman <keyword id="57265" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Murali-Vijay">Murali Vijay</keyword>. Wicketkeeper <keyword id="2231057" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Robin-Uthapa">Robin Uthapa</keyword> charged towards the ball, picked it up and ran Pietersen out in a flash with Vijay shaking his head in disbelief at the other end. 
 Pietersen's captaincy is also under the scanner for repeatedly not bringing the in-form duo of <keyword id="69475" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="JP-Duminy">JP Duminy</keyword> and Kedar Jadhav up the batting order. Fast bowler Mohammad Shami is another big concern for DD. He is one of the promising bowlers in the country but his performance so far in the tournament is worrying. Four wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.34 don't justify his talent. At present, it's hard to imagine how DD are going to turn their fortunes around.

IPL Week 3 Review: Tambe, De Villiers, Maxwell Steal The Show

In terms of ambition, the Champions League T20 was to be the perfect tool to showcase, and popularise, franchise cricket. It was modelled on the UEFA Champions League, with clubs from cricketing nations teaming up for a short T20 event. But into its sixth edition, it hasn't delivered on the promise front. The <keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword> in India is still the benchmark, and the involvement of international teams somehow fails to pique interest among fans who get behind their local franchises (a reason to include a fourth Indian team). From September 13, however, up until October 4, the disappointments of the England tour will be forgotten, and cricket's shortest format will once again drum up the entertainment before the home season in India gets under way. 
 
In many ways, the timeframe set apart for the Champions League is about perfect for a T20 competition. The IPL lasts two months; back-to-back games in the middle of the Indian summer making it an annual TV soap opera. The expectancy of home advantage is less; teams from South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand make it a more global event, and the chance to see several international players, who could soon be seen being snapped up by several franchises in next year's IPL. The Champions League then is the IPL's poorer cousin, but the unpredictable nature of the competition could make it for interesting viewing. 
 
Chhattisgarh's Raipur International Cricket Stadium will host the six qualifiers featuring Lahore Lions (Pakistan), Mumbai Indians (India), Northern Knights (New Zealand) and Southern Express (Sri Lanka), before the main league kicks off with games scheduled in Hyderabad, Mohali and Bangalore. Gocricket.com takes a look at the teams making up the competition: 
 
Kolkata Knight Riders: The IPL champions gained direct entry into the league stages by virtue of their title triumph a few months ago, but have been hampered by injuries to Morne Morkel and <keyword id="258312" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Chris-Lynn">Chris Lynn</keyword>, who have been ruled out of the tournament, as was Shakib Al Hasan, serving a disciplinary sanction by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The Indian domestic season was over before the IPL meaning several Indian players will be without practice, a situation that forced <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/yusuf-pathan/30001/4096">Yusuf Pathan</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/piyush-chawla/30001/4089">Piyush Chawla</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/manvinder-bisla/30001/27013">Manvinder Bisla</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kuldeep-yadav/30001/4133">Kuldeep Yadav</a> to undergo a boot camp in South Africa. <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/gautam-gambhir/30001/4043">Gautam Gambhir</a>, the inspirational two-time IPL-winning captain, however, is back playing franchise cricket after a nightmarish return to the Indian team on the England tour. Gambhir would have to brush aside that traumatic experience to lead his troops. 
 
Perth Scorchers: Like KKR, Perth Scorchers triumphed at the Big Bash League, but like the Indian franchise, they too come into the tournament with a depleted squad. Simon Katich was their leading run-getter but is not available, nor is Shaun Marsh, who was injured. The franchise will rely heavily on <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mitchell-marsh/1001/27022">Mitchell Marsh</a>, who is coming off a successful trip with the Australian team in Zimbabwe. 
 
Dolphins: Winners of South Africa's domestic T20 competition, Dolphins make their Champions League bow under former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk, who has previously turned out for KKR. With <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/david-miller/8001/8076">David Miller</a> opting to play for Kings XI Punjab, the Dolphins squad will miss the services of their explosive batsman, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kyle-abbott/8001/29036">Kyle Abbott</a>'s presence in the bowling line-up gives them some international quality. 
 
Barbados Tridents: The 2014 Caribbean Premier League champions will be without <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/dwayne-smith/26001/10043">Dwayne Smith</a>, Shoaib Malik and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kieron-pollard/31001/10060">Kieron Pollard</a> but still have enough quality to surprise bigger teams. Zimbabwe's hard-hitting ODI captain <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/elton-chigumbura/11001/11033">Elton Chigumbura</a>, James Franklin and <keyword id="1319274" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dilshan-Munaweera">Dilshan Munaweera</keyword> will bolster the batting, while Ravi Rampaul will lead the bowling attack. 
 
Kings XI Punjab: KXIP turned out to be the surprise package of the IPL and despite falling short of a maiden title, turned heads with their all-round performances. Despite an injury to Sandeep Sharma, who was a revelation with the new ball, the KXIP line-up screams quality under the astute leadership of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/george-bailey/29001/26015">George Bailey</a>. Add to that the explosive batting order comprising <keyword id="7567" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Virender-Sehwag">Virender Sehwag</keyword>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/glenn-maxwell/29001/36006">Glenn Maxwell</a>, David Miller and Thisara Perera. 
 
Hobart Hurricanes: Bailey's absence from the Hurricanes has given discarded Australian wicketkeeper-batsman <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tim-paine/1001/1088">Tim Paine</a> a chance to step up. Former Pakistan captain <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shoaib-malik/7001/7011">Shoaib Malik</a> will give the side important advice about playing on subcontinent surfaces, while Chennai Super Kings' pace bowling duo – Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus – would know a thing or two about their former team. Aiden Blizzard and Ben Dunk add muscle to their batting order. 
 
Cape Cobras: After falling two runs short of the Ram Slam T20 title, Cape Cobras will be out to go one better at the Champions League with a team full of South Africa's top players. Justin Ontong has at his service the class of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/hashim-amla/8001/8034">Hashim Amla</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/jp-duminy/8001/8053">JP Duminy</a> and Vernon Philander, and their most successful domestic spinner, Dane Piedt. Veterans Justin Kemp and Robin Peterson are sure to lift the team with their all-round skills. 
 
Chennai Super Kings: CSK are out to emulate Mumbai Indians by attempting a second title. Free from international duty, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ms-dhoni/26001/4057">MS Dhoni</a> will look to his franchise to give his much-criticised captaincy a boost. Their all-round T20 skill under the Indian captain makes them one of the most feared sides in the competition. 
 
Besides the sure-shot contenders, four teams will contest the qualifying stages with two of them set to go through: 
 
Mumbai Indians: The defending CLT20 champions had to endure a difficult IPL but emerged late to snatch fourth place to earn a shot at a title defence. For majority of the competition, MI suffered by failing to field the right combinations and captain Rohit Sharma's absence means fellow seniors like Kieron Pollard, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/harbhajan-singh/31001/4008">Harbhajan Singh</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/lasith-malinga/31001/9036">Lasith Malinga</a> will have to step up. Star signing Corey Anderson's lack of form was a subject of great debate during the competition, but his game-changing 94 against Rajasthan Royals proved how dangerous the side could be with the big players firing. 
 
Lahore Lions: Pakistan's T20 champions had to endure a difficult passage into India with a visa delay, but on match day, their quality is set to leave an impact on the competition. The absence of Pakistani players from the IPL means the Lions will lend additional charm to the event, and the team is full of quality with six Pakistan internationals – <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ahmed-shehzad/7001/7070">Ahmed Shehzad</a>, Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz and captain Mohammad Hafeez. 
 
Nothern Knights: <keyword id="13837" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Daniel-Vettori">Daniel Vettori</keyword>'s withdrawal from the competition wouldn't affect the side that already boasts of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kane-williamson/6001/6071">Kane Williamson</a>, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, BJ Watling and Ish Sodhi, the fulcrum of the revival in New Zealand cricket. Scott Styris brings in years of experience, most importantly of having played in India on several occasions. 
 
Southern Express: Without Lasith Malinga and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tillakaratne-dilshan/9001/9034">Tillakaratne Dilshan</a>, the Sri Lankan side does look weak but expect them to fight tooth and nail. The familiarity with conditions in the subcontinent will make them a force to reckon with.

You Searched For "MI vs KXIP" and got 6 results

IPL 2017, MI vs KXIP: Table leader Mumbai to take on confident Punjab

Gaurav Sangwani

IPL 2017, MI vs KXIP: Can Maxwell break the cold streak against Mumbai?

Gaurav Sangwani

The Best Uncapped Players Of IPL 7

gocricket

Weekly Review: Race For The Play-Offs Heats Up

gocricket

IPL Week 3 Review: Tambe, De Villiers, Maxwell Steal The Show

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CLT20: Another Shot At Winning Over The IPL Faithful

gocricket staff