IPL 2023: 3 Player-battles to watch out for in Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings clash

MI vs PBKS (Source: Twitter)

Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 31 of the Indian Premier League 2023 on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm at their stronghold Wankhede Stadium. Both sides have won three games so far in the tournament, but MI's good net run rate has pushed them to sixth place on the points table, with PBKS close behind.

Losing their first two matches, Rohit Sharma and Co did not get off to a good start in IPL 2023, but now the five-time champions seem to have found their rhythm with three straight wins. PBKS, on the other hand, has had a rather inconsistent season so far, winning and losing three of their six matches.

PBKS have beaten MI at least once in a season and they will look to repeat the same in today's clash. MI, meanwhile, will want to make the most of their home advantage and will look to make it four wins in a row.

On that note, let's take a look at the three player-battles to watch out for in the MI vs SRH match:

3. Tim David vs Sam Curran

PBKS stand-in skipper Sam Curran will not have fond memories of playing at Wankhede because he was blasted all over the ground by former MI power-hitter Kieron Pollard the last time he played here. MI have filled the gap of the West Indies legend with explosive Tim David and it remains to be seen who will have the last laugh this time.

Curran, the most expensive player in IPL history, has bowled decently so far in the tournament and will look to maintain that momentum in today's game. Meanwhile, David, an Australian cricketer, has yet to produce a Pollard-like innings in the new edition. England's left-armer has a little advantage on the big-hitter, having dismissed him once in the three balls that he has bowled to him in T20Is.

2. Liam Livingstone vs Piyush Chawla

England's big-hitter Liam Livingstone has only played one match in the 2023 IPL, and he failed to make an impact for his team in that game. However, on his day, he can demolish any bowler and win the game by himself. With Wankhede being one of the best batting wickets, Livingstone might enjoy hitting tonight and even a big score.

To counter the Livingston threat, MI are likely to bring veteran spinner Piyush Chawla into the attack. The English batter has scored 79 runs off 60 balls against the leg-spinner in the IPL, but has also been dismissed four times. Their battle will definitely spice up the encounter and we will wait and see who will emerge victorious.

1. Rohit Sharma vs Arshdeep Singh

The battle between MI skipper Rohit Sharma and PBKS' star pacer Arshdeep Singh will be the most awaited of today's clash. The MI opening batter has problems dealing with the left-arm pacers, especially with the new ball, and PBKS will look to target this weakness and get an early breakthrough.

Arshdeep has a decent record against Rohit, conceding just five runs in seven balls including one dismissal. However, the right-handed batter has been aggressive in the start so far in the tournament and will look to do that against the youngster.