Such contrasting trends make it difficult to pick a clear favourite. But if present circumstances are anything to go by, the scales tilt decisively in favour of the home team ahead of Sunday night\u2019s Indian Premier League clash between the former champions.<\/p>\n
It is not just Mumbai Indians\u2019 star-studded line-up or the familiar comfort of home conditions. Kolkata Knight Riders arrives with concerns over its pace-bowling resources. Mustafizur Rahman\u2019s BCCI-enforced exit had already weakened the attack, and the subsequent season-ending injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have compounded the problem. With Matheesha Pathirana\u2019s availability still uncertain, KKR\u2019s death-bowling options appear stretched.<\/p>\n
As a result, Kolkata will rely heavily on its trusted spin duo \u2014 Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy \u2014 to contain a formidable Mumbai batting line-up.<\/p>\n
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, finds itself in the enviable position of having options aplenty. With four members from India\u2019s recent T20 World Cup-winning squad, along with another former World Cup-winning captain, the squad appears balanced and well-rounded.<\/p>\n
The absence of Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner \u2014 both yet to join the squad \u2014 is unlikely to worry the team management. Afghanistan\u2019s mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who missed last season due to injury, is fit and available, further strengthening Mumbai\u2019s bowling reserves.<\/p>\n
There were encouraging signs during training too. Jasprit Bumrah bowled with a short run-up, ending speculation over his availability. And a leaner and fitter Rohit Sharma will be eager to come good against an opponent he has traditionally enjoyed facing.<\/p>\n
Published on Mar 28, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n