IPL 2022 MI vs KKR, 56th Match Preview: Playoff hopes all but over, Kolkata and Mumbai battle for pride

Cellar dwellers Mumbai Indians have won their last two matches in IPL 2022.

Live Scores and Stats - IPL 2022 MI vs KKR, 56th Match

KKR reach dead end

Kolkata Knight Riders' 75-run thrashing at the hands of Lucknow Super Giants in the last match has all but ended their hopes of qualification for the playoffs.

The team started quite well with three wins from four matches but have been in doldrums from then on. While the poor performances of two retained Indian players Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarty has hurt them, the team hasn't help itself with selection choices.

Kolkata's strange team selection

They have been playing Aaron Finch over Sam Billings, which was never going to work given the terrible form of the Australian white ball captain. Likewise, the team has tried out three wicket keepers and don't seem to be settling on one when they have a readymade overseas option in Billings in the squad.

The injury to Umesh Yadav has further added to their woes. It is mind boggling that world-class spin bowling all rounder Mohammed Nabi has still not got a game when the likes of Varun Chakravarty and Anukul Roy have not managed to keep things tight.

With 7 losses from 11 games, Kolkata Knight Riders do not realistically have a chance of making it to the playoffs. 

Mumbai have no chance

While KKR might still have a semblance of hope, Mumbai Indians are certainly out of it and can now spoil other team's parties. The team has just managed two victories from their 10 games.

That said, MI are finally finding some steam and have won both their last two games. Tim David has been a big contributor for them who looks all set to take over from Kieron Pollard as the veteran has scratched around without any success throughout the competition.

MI see light at the end of tunnel

The way Mumbai Indians' openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan started off the innings in their last match against Gujarat Titans was a sight for sore eyes and the MI fans would expect more of the same.

Mumbai's bowling is also beginning to come together with Daniel Sam taking on the difficult overs. The team, however, will expect a better outing from trump card Jasprit Bumrah.

Predicted Playing XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders - Sam Billings/Aaron Finch, Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer (c), Baba Indrajith (wk), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi

Mumbai Indians - Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Kieron Pollard, Murugan Ashwin/Hrithik Shokeen, Daniel Sams, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Riley Meredith

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