IPL: Mumbai looks to consolidate its position at the top

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Thursday sealed MI’s play-off spot. The defending champion is on 16 points and is almost certain to finish in the top-two as it has an excellent net run-rate.

Despite three defeats on the trot against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), DC has 14 points from 12 games. The losses should come as an eye opener for Delhi as it needs at least a win to seal its play-off place.

Against table-topper MI, DC will have its task cut out. The batting unit, comprising Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, captain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, will be keen to step up to the plate. The bowling attack, which consists of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje among others, had an off day against Hyderabad, but would hope to come back strongly.

Although regular skipper Rohit Sharma has been absent for three games, MI has been in good form. The Kieron Pollard-led side has a complete look to it, with little changes to the playing eleven so far.

With play-off spots up for grabs, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) needs to shrug off the disappointment of two back-to-back defeats and put up a strong challenge against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Sharjah on Saturday.

But, it would be easier said than done since SRH is brimming with confidence after its crushing win over Delhi Capitals (DC). RCB, with 14 points from 12 matches, needs to win one of its remaining two games -- against SRH and DC -- to make the cut.

And even if Bangalore loses both its matches, it can qualify. But for that, it needs favourable results from other games. With 10 points from 12 games, Hyderabad needs to win its remaining two matches -- against RCB and Mumbai Indians (MI) -- to stay in the reckoning.