IPL 2024 MI vs KKR, Strategic Corner - Mumbai Prepare The Nemesis Of Narine

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Narine vs Bumrah could decide the fate of the game [AP Photos]Narine vs Bumrah could decide the fate of the game [AP Photos]

The Mumbai Indians are scheduled to play the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 51st match of the Indian Premier League. This game will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 3rd at 7:30 PM IST. 

The Mumbai Indians are having a terrible time in IPL 2024. They have found no rhythm in the tournament and find themselves at the second last position in the tournament. However, they are one of the most successful teams in the tournament and they will be looking to bow out with their heads held high. 

One of the prime obstacles in MI's way for the match will be, Sunil Narine. The reincarnation of Narine, the batter has caused a lot of head-ache to the oppositions. He has taken the charge the in the powerplays and have ensured that KKR got off to solid and powerful starts in most matches. 


Why will Sunil Narine be a threat to the Mumbai Indians?

  • The wicket at the Wankhede Stadium will expectedly favour the batter. With the ball coming onto the bat Sunil Narine will enjoy hitting the hard and new ball. His ability to clear the in-field will pose a great threat to the home team. 
  • Sunil Narine has a strike rate of 176.60 in the powerplays in IPL 2024. This has been one of the reasons that KKR has got some solid starts in the tournament and posted mammoth totals during the tournament. If Narine gets going then the match might get out of MI's hand very quickly. 


How can Mumbai Indians stop Sunil Narine? 

Let us have a look at the dismissals stats of Narine in IPL 2024. 

Bowler Type
Dismissals
Length
Dismissals
Delivery Type
Dismissals
Spinners4Yorker1Arm Ball2
Pacers4Full Length2Bouncer1
--Good Length3Googly1
--Short of Good Length2Angled In2
---Slower2

While this gives us a bit of idea of Sunil Narine's weakness, a look at his strike rates against different length of deliveries will make things clearer. 

Length
Strike Rate
Yorker90.90
Full Toss2000
Full Length192.72
Good Length180.26
Short of Good Length137.14
Short Length123.33

The lowest strike rate for Sunil Narine is against yorkers. His discomfort against this particular length was evident in the RCB match, where the RCB bowlers stemmed down his run-flow with a barrage of yorkers. MI should resort to the same plan and they gave the perfect bowler to execute this plan in Jasprit Bumrah. 

If Narine could be tied down, then a sudden change in pace and length can result in his demise.