Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara noted the challenges both teams have encountered this season and stressed the significance of the game for each side. “Mumbai Indians have faced several challenges this season, and there is a strong need for a comeback, for the fans, the team’s pride, and for the players who have worked hard. When you are such a big team, expectations are high, and they will be keen to respond,” he said.

Pujara also acknowledged the pressure on MI due to their legacy and the high expectations surrounding the team. He added, “At the same time, Lucknow Super Giants have also had their share of issues. So, both teams will be playing for pride, regardless of their playoff chances.”

The Mumbai Indians squad includes Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (captain), Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Raghu Sharma, Raj Bawa, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Ashwani Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Quinton de Kock, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Sher Rutherfordfane, Mayank Markande, Danish Malewar, and Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar.

The Lucknow Super Giants squad comprises Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper and captain), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Mukul Choudhary, Himmat Singh, George Linde, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mohsin Khan, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Abdul Samad, Avesh Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Josh Inglis, Anrich Nortje, Matthew Breetzke, Arjun Tendulkar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Maharaj Singh, Mayank Yadav, Arshin Kulkarni, and Naman Tiwari.