IPL 2011: Mumbai hope to end losing run against Kolkata

Pulled back by three consecutive losses, a struggling Mumbai Indians will be up against an in- form Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.Kings XI Punjab's loss to Deccan Chargers on Saturday has brought a sigh of relief for both the teams who are now assured of a place each in the play- offs.However, the clinical Knight Riders will now be eyeing the second spot on the ladder that will give them a brighter chance to book their final berth.Under Gautam Gambhir, the Knight Riders have come solid in both batting and bowling. In the last match, Kallis picked up an injury while bowling which forced Gambhir to
 promote himself to the opening slot.Down the order, Manoj Tiwary has been consistent with the bat. The bowling is equally strong as the slow bowlers - Iqbal Abdulla ( 15 wickets from 13 matches), Shakib- al- Hasan ( 9/ 5) and Yusuf Pathan ( 13/ 13) - have been giving match- winning performances.Shakib was at his best in the last match with superb figures of two for 16 off his four overs.The spinners will be relishing the prospect of bowling on the slow Eden strip on Sunday. But the wounded Mumbai Indians would not be in a mood to relent." There will be some changes, because it's a different surface which requires different planning," said skipper Sachin Tendulkar said.It's an unbelievable situation for Mumbai Indians who were the most consistent team at one stage with 16 points after 10 matches. A hattrick of losses - including two at
home - has been morale- shattering for the side.In the previous match, Mumbai Indians' star- studded line- up only managed 133 for five as Rajasthan Royals cruised to a 10- wicket win.The main problem for Mumbai Indians has been that their middle- order has failed to fire once top run- getters - Tendulkar ( 439 runs from 13 matches), Ambati Rayudu ( 366/ 13) and Rohit Sharma ( 349/ 13) - have been sent packing.