FANTASY
Follow UsPunjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Chepauk Stadium, Chennai. PBKS started their campaign with a win but have derailed since, losing three on the bounce. MI, on the other hand, have not been at their best as well. They have won two out of their four games as yet, both those wins being come-from-behind victories. However, there is no denying that MI is one of the top sides in the competition and PBKS need to pull off an upset to get their campaign back on track.
Despite the contrast between the two sides, the head-to-head record is not far from even-stevens. MI have won 14 times in 26 IPL games against PBKS. The last time these two team met, in IPL 2020, fans witnessed an unprecedented double super-over game which PBKs won.
IPL HEAD-TO-HEAD
Overall - Matches – 26 | Mumbai - 14 Wins | Punjab - 12 Wins
Last five games - Mumbai - 3 Wins | Punjab - 2 Wins
Ground Details
Chennai’s Chepauk stadium has been a tough nut to crack for the batsmen and a paradise for the spinners. Spinners in Chepauk have averaged 24.6 runs per wicket in comparison to 51.1 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The contrast in these numbers underlines why your bowling attack should comprise of spin bowlers.
Another pattern established at Chepauk is the cease in the flow of runs in the second half of the innings. The batting average in the last 10 overs has dropped to 15 from 39.1 in the first 10 overs. Hence, batsmen at the top-order will have the best of batting conditions and should form the fulcrum of your batting resources.
Suggested Teams
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your own team from cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. Based on algorithms, we have come up with one team.
Captain Selection
While others have struggled on the sluggish Chepauk track, Suryakumar Yadav has often appeared to be batting on a different pitch than his peers. His strike-rate and average against spin at Chepauk (49 and 136.1) have laid a positive effect for MI. He is also a top-order batsman which provides him apt conditions to score runs and he has feasted on his opportunities so far, scoring 121 in four games. Hence, he is the best choice amongst the batsmen to be your captain.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Surya could score 25-37 runs in this match
X-Factors
While Deepak Hooda does not get the accolades he deserves, he remains a crucial part in the scheme of things for PBKS. He scored a 28-ball 64 in the first match to show his rich vein of form. Hooda also bowled all his four overs in the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Given MI have a number of left-handers in their line-up, it increases his fantasy potential.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Hooda could score 14-22 runs and pick 0-1 wickets in this match
Trent Boult has been the best pacer for MI this season, picking six wickets in four games. Five of his six wickets have come in the death overs where Boult has been nailing his yorkers along with the cutters. He will once again bowl a minimum of two overs at the death and if MI are bowling first, he will be a great candidate to be the vice-captain of your side.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Boult could pick 1-2 wickets in this match
Mayank Agarwal had a poor start to the season but got himself back amongst runs with a 36-ball 69 against Delhi Capitals. In challenging batting conditions in PBKS’ last game, Mayank was the joint highest scorer for them, albeit with a score of 22. Overall, Mayank is a decent hitter against spin bowling and considering that he opens the innings, he will have a fair chance to boost your fantasy team right at the top.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Mayank could score 27-41 runs in this match
