Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma called heads, and heads it was. The defending champions, who needed to bat first against Sunrisers Hyderabad to keep in contention for the playoffs, had luck favouring them. SRH, who are led by first-time captain Manish Pandey, were asked to field first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 

For Mumbai, Rohit announced two changes. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, who will make his debut for the franchise, and Krunal Pandya stepped in for Saurabh Tiwary and Jayant Yadav. 

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“We are going to bat first, no choice (smiles). The numbers are pretty scary, but we are going to give it all. Let’s hope we can come out and do what we love to do. It’s important to enjoy the game as well. It’s been an on and off season for us. This is a great opportunity for us to do something that’s never been done before. Our batters have’t come collectively and performed as a team in the UAE leg. But these guys have done exceedingly well for respective teams. Just can happen,” Rohit Sharma said at the toss. 

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Trent Boult

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On the other hand, Manish Pandey announced that their star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and regular skipper Kane Williamson will miss the game. 

“My first game as IPL captain. Last minute call. Kane had a niggle on his elbow, Bhuvi has a niggle too. We would have batted first too. We will look to bowl first and look to give Bombay little chance. I know they are going to come all guns blazing but we are ready,” Pandey saiid. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Abhishek Sharma, Manish Pandey(c), Priyam Garg, Abdul Samad, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Umran Malik, Siddarth Kaul