IPL 2023, PBKS vs MI: Predicted Playing XIs & Impact Player Substitutes

image-lh6o3xfgPunjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 13 runs in their own backyard (IPLT20.com)

The cricket fever is all set to heat up as Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up to face off against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) on Wednesday, May 3. 

The match is scheduled to take place at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali and promises to be an exciting encounter between the two power-packed teams.

Both the teams have had an interesting season so far, with Punjab Kings having a slightly better start to their campaign than Mumbai Indians. 

PBKS has won five out of their nine games, while MI has secured four victories out of eight matches played. With both teams looking to consolidate their position on the points table, the match is expected to be a nail-biting affair.

Ahead of their much-awaited clash, here at OneCricket, we predict the strongest starting XIs of both PBKS and MI, along with their respective five impact players.

Punjab Kings

Openers

Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh

Shikhar Dhawan has emerged as the go-to man for PBKS in their quest for the coveted IPL title. With 262 runs under his belt at a blistering strike rate of 148.86, the southpaw has been instrumental in providing his team with a solid foundation in the powerplay overs. Dhawan will look to carry his good form in the crucial game against MI and lead his side to a victory.

image-lh6oh70vShikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh have been excellent so far (IPLT20.com)

Prabhsimran Singh has also caught the eye with his breathtaking strokeplay in the previous match. His explosive knock of 42 off 24 deliveries helped PBKS post a mammoth total of 201 runs, setting the tone for a comprehensive victory. With the likes of Dhawan and Prabhsimran at the top of the order, PBKS can expect a rollicking start against the formidable MI in their upcoming fixture.

Middle order

Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Sikandar Raza

Atharva Taide, who scored 66 runs off 36 deliveries against the Lucknow Super Giants, has the potential to make a comeback after a lacklustre performance in the previous match. With 112 runs in five matches, the 23-year-old will play a vital role for Punjab against MI. On the other hand, Liam Livingstone is yet to demonstrate his full potential in the ongoing IPL season.

With just 75 runs in four matches, Livingstone's performance has left much to be desired. The attacking batter will look to put on a show in the all-important game against the five-time IPL champions. Jitesh Sharma has been in staggering form, scoring 190 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 162.39. His quick-fire contribution at the death have been instrumental in Punjab's previous victories, and the team will once again look to him for the same role. 

image-lh6o70crSam Curran and Jitesh Sharma in action against Mumbai Indians (IPLT20.com)

Sam Curran has had an inconsistent season for the Punjab Kings. With 192 runs in nine matches and seven wickets to his name, the England all-rounder hasn’t proven his worth. The all-rounder’s all-round display will be crucial for Punjab if they are to beat MI.

Shahrukh Khan, on the other hand, will need to step up his game. The 27-year-old hasn’t lived up to his potential so far, with 86 runs in nine matches and he has the perfect opportunity to change that.

Sikandar Raza has also contributed with 128 runs and three wickets, but his economy rate has been on the higher side. However, he has risen to the occasion when his team has needed him the most and they will once again bank upon the Zimbabwean to come good.

Bowlers

Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Rahul Chahar has had a lackluster season so far. With only three wickets in nine matches and a tendency to be costly, the 23-year-old has left much to be desired. However, the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh has been a bright spot for the Punjab Kings. 

image-lh6oe62xPunjab Kings' pacers have been impressive so far (IPLT20.com)

Rabada has picked up five wickets in four matches, while Arshdeep has been on a roll with 15 wickets in nine matches. Much will depend on the performance of PBKS pacers as they look to thump MI.

Predicted Playing XI of Punjab Kings:

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Sikandar Raza, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Players

  • Harpreet Singh Bhatia
  • Rishi Dhawan,
  • Matthew Short
  • Baltej Singh
  • Mohit Rathee

Mumbai Indians

Openers

Rohit Sharma & Ishan Kishan

Rohit Sharma has had a relatively quiet season in the IPL so far. With only 184 runs in eight matches, the 36-year-old will be looking to turn things around and showcase his explosive batting abilities in the upcoming game. 

image-lh6ok23uIshan Kishan and Rohit Sharma vs SRH (IPLT20.com)

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan has been a key player for Mumbai. However, consistency has been an issue for the southpaw, and the team will be hoping for a special performance from him against the Punjab Kings.

Middle Order

Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David

Cameron Green has played in eight matches so far, amassing a staggering 243 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 152.83. Adding to his incredible batting prowess, Green has also proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the bowling front, picking up an impressive five wickets. With his remarkable batting form, it wouldn't be surprising to see him put on a show with the bat in the upcoming match. 

Suryakumar Yadav was in exceptional form during the clash against the Rajasthan Royals, where he showcased his remarkable batting prowess by smashing 55 runs off just 29 deliveries. With his impressive form, the virtuoso batsman will undoubtedly be looking to replicate his previous heroics and lead his team to victory.

image-lh6od14dSuryakumar Yadav and Cameron will be key for Mumbai Indians (IPLT20.com)

Tilak Varma has been a standout performer for the five-time champions, amassing an impressive 248 runs from eight matches at a stunning strike rate of 152.14. With his exceptional form, the gifted batsman will undoubtedly be looking to continue his outstanding work in the upcoming clash. 

Meanwhile, Tim David left a lasting impression in their last match against Rajasthan with a blistering knock of 45* runs off just 14 balls as he single-handedly guided his team to a thrilling win and he will look to do more of the same against PBKS.

Bowlers

Piyush Chawla, Kumar Kartikeya, Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith, Arshad Khan

Piyush Chawla has been a standout performer for the team, with an impressive 13 wickets in the ongoing season at an economy of 7.29. Meanwhile, Kartikeya has also done a decent job with the ball, picking up two scalps in three outings at an economy of 7.70.

image-lh6oblz6Mumbai Indians' pacers will need to step up their game (IPLT20.com)

Jofra Archer has failed to live up to his usual standards. The once formidable bowler has managed to take only two wickets in three games, conceding runs at a poor economy of 9.16. Riley Meredith has been amongst the wickets, with an impressive seven scalps in five matches. However, his economy rate of 10.52 has been a cause for concern for the team. Arshad Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai in the previous game, and he will be looking to build on his impressive performance against Punjab.

Predicted Playing XI of Mumbai Indians:

Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Piyush Chawla, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith

Impact Players

  • Nehal Wadhera
  • Arjun Tendulkar
  • Vishnu Vinod
  • Shams Mulani
  • Ramandeep Singh