The Royal Challengers Bangalore meet the Mumbai Indians in virtually a knock out game at the M Chinnaswami Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams have produced similar stats so far- 7 matches 5 wins and 2 losses but with a better run rate-MI are placed above the RCB at the points tally. However, one of the teams will have 6 losses at the end of the game- an almost impossible equation to bounce back from. This makes the match at Bengaluru all the more important.
RCB have been struggling with their bowling and have conceded huge scores in the tournament. Virat Kohli might try and fix the team combination to address that issue or the RCB bowlers might rectify their lengths when they come out to play against the Mumbai Indians. Once the bowling and fielding gets up to the mark, RCB batsmen very rarely let them down with a lineup studded with stars like Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli and Brendon McCullum.
MI on the other hand will take a lot of confidence going into the match against RCB after their clinical performance against Chennai Super Kings. That may prove to be the spark needed to get some kind of momentum and get a place in the play offs.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would be the key batsmen in this high voltage clash at Bangalore. Apart from Rohit- Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have been doing pretty well for the Mumbai Indians and although Mumbai decided to drop Kieron Pollard against the Chennai Super Kings they might stick to the same team which got them the much needed 2 points on the table.
Other than Virat, AB should be fit and ready for the important clash and may replace Brendon McCullum in the playing 11. However, Virat may try in different combinations, given the nature of their campaign so far.
Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee should spearhead the RCB attack on Tuesday night. Given RCB’s bowling woes, the senior bowlers must take it upon themselves to deliver in the critical stage of the tournament. Yadav has been the leading wicket taker for RCB and would try and get some wickets in this match to exert pressure upon the Mumbai Indians. Yuzvendra Chahal has been a miser in terms of economy in a bowling attack infamous for conceding 200 runs easily. Chahal’s spell can be a massive moment in the game against Mumbai on Tuesday.
Mumbai Indians have a great bowling record against RCB. Mitchell Mccleneghan vs Virat Kolhi, Krunal Pandya vs. ABD are some exciting battles lined up for tonight. Jasprit Bumrah is one great weapon for skipper Rohit and not to forget MI’s leading wicket taker young Mayank Markande who can be of great help if wicket offers a bit of turn.
An adrenaline rush is the least to expect while watching the two struggling heavyweights fight out against each other at Bengaluru.