IPL 2018: Match preview of Kolkata vs Mumbai

After being defeated by Mumbai at Wankhede, Kolkata hosts Rohit Sharma-led side at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.  

Mumbai were on the verge of falling by the wayside after a series of defeat before they managed to pull through in the previous two games.

Against Punjab, it was a Rohit and Krunal Pandya blitz that kept them alive in the play-off competition. A challenging 181/4 coupled with well-directed short balls during Kolkata's chase helped Mumbai stay afloat. 

Given the role of an opening batsman, Suryakumar Yadav has been a revelation for the franchise, scoring as many as four half-centuries in 10 matches. 

The 27-year-old former Kolkata player is Mumbai's highest run-getter amassing 399 at 39.90.

One concern for Rohit would be their middle order which continued to struggle against Kolkata and had it not been for Hardik's splendid knock at the end, they would not have managed to post 181 despite getting off to an explosive start.

Kolkata, on the other hand, were not at full strength against Mumbai in their away game, with young pacer Shivam Mavi's injured finger joining the team's long list of injuries this season.

Led by West Indian spinner Sunil Narine, Kolkata's spin battery will again be the key with Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla expected to choke the opposition.

Karthik has been very consistent with the bat and he would want his other batsmen to stand up and be counted.

Nitish Rana has been in fine touch for the purple brigade from the outset while Andre Russell has played a few devastating knocks.

Young Shubman Gill, who was sent in to open the batting along with Lynn against Rohit-led side, could again get the opportunity.

In the head-to-head count, Mumbai lead Kolkata by a long long way at 17-5 in 22 meetings so far. 

Both teams need a win today in order to keep their chances alive in this year's Indian Premier League.