Mumbai Indians has traditionally been the bogey team for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), particularly at the Wankhede Stadium, where the home side enjoys a commanding 10-2 head-to-head record. Yet, history offers a curious counterpoint — the last time Mumbai Indians won a season-opener was back in 2012.

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’s Indian Premier League clash between the former champions.

It is not just Mumbai Indians’ star-studded line-up or the familiar comfort of home conditions. Kolkata Knight Riders arrives with concerns over its pace-bowling resources. Mustafizur Rahman’s 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’s availability still uncertain, KKR’s death-bowling options appear stretched.

As a result, Kolkata will rely heavily on its trusted spin duo — Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy — to contain a formidable Mumbai batting line-up.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, finds itself in the enviable position of having options aplenty. With four members from India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning squad, along with another former World Cup-winning captain, the squad appears balanced and well-rounded.

The absence of Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner — both yet to join the squad — is unlikely to worry the team management. Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who missed last season due to injury, is fit and available, further strengthening Mumbai’s bowling reserves.

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.