IPL match preview: Mumbai Indians v Punjab Kings

The Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in the history of the IPL with five titles, but they finished in last position in 2022 and endured a disappointing start to the 2023 season. But they've turned that around, somewhat, with three successive wins.

Victories over the Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad have set Mumbai up well for this fixture. A fourth win on the trot will show they are really back on track, while defeat could expose their recent flaws again.

Punjab have won just one of their last four matches and their pursuit of a maiden IPL title is taking strain. Captain Shikhar Dhawan was still sidelined by injury when they lost to the Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier this week. Let's see if he returns.

The Kings opened the bowling with spinner Harpreet Brar in Mohali, but will likely return to an all-pace combination with the new ball this time.  That brings Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis and his characteristically pinpoint accuracy into play sooner.

Mumbai and Punjab have taken it in turns to beat each other across their last five meetings. In 2020, it took a one-over eliminator to separate them, which the Kings eventually won.

Liam Livingstone made his long-awaited 2023 IPL debut for Punjab earlier this week. He didn't shine with the bat or ball, but could be key to their efforts here. Livingstone is one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket, but is returning from injury.

Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla is among the highest wicket-takers in the history of the IPL and has averaged two wickets per match for an extended period this season. Mumbai's Chawla should get on top of batsmen expecting pace on the ball.

Mumbai's turnaround in form will probably continue, as they register a fourth successive win. Captain Rohit Sharma is walking the talk after his rallying cry a couple of weeks ago. They might, indeed, now be on course for a sixth IPL title.