Predicted XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore for Match 5 of IPL 2023


image-lfqlza7uMaxwell will play at number 4 [IPLT20.COM]

The wait is almost over as the 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off from March 31. 10 teams will fight it out for the coveted IPL trophy, but only one can get their hands on it.

Before every IPL season, there is one team which always hogs the limelight. Yes, I am talking about the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). It's a fresh season and they'll be eying to win their first IPL trophy.

So with the biggest festival of the summer just around the corner, let us look at the strongest XI of the franchise for their first game against Mumbai Indians.

Openers

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis

The expected duo to open for the Red Army. The return of Virat Kohli in form is a blessing in disguise for the RCB team. He will look to maximise the power-play before the field spreads. Faf can be the aggressor in the partnership and that'll allow Kohli to settle in.

Middle order

Anuj Rawat: In absence of Rajat Patidar, RCB might look to fill the spot with another young Indian talent in Anuj Rawat. He will play a key role in providing stability to the RCB middle-order.

Glenn Maxwell: Maxwell's availability is a sigh of relief for the Bengaluru side. He broke his leg last year, and has almost healed from that devastating injury. Maxwell provides a calming presence at number 4 and can also chip in with a couple of overs.


Shahbaz Ahmed: The wily all-rounder became a vital cog for RCB last season. He consistently performed with the willow and was equally potent with his off-break deliveries.

Dinesh Karthik: The finisher for RCB, DK has a pivotal role to play as a finisher. He has done it in the past for several franchises, including RCB, and the franchise will bank on him once again.

Michael Bracewell: He came in as a replacement player for Will Jacks and could feature in the opening game, with Wanindu Hasaranga still not available for the Mumbai clash. Bracewell has the experience of playing in India and can be a dangerous player if the ball comes in his radar.

Bowlers

Harshal Patel: The leading wicket-taker for RCB in the last two seasons, Harshal Patel's form has dipped as of late playing for India. Known for his cutters, Faf du Plessis will hope that the master of slower deliveries fire against Mumbai Indians.

Akash Deep: He had a mediocre 2022 IPL season, but can be effective in the middle orders. RCB will hope that the Bengal bowlers continues his rich vein of form that he showed in the Ranji Trophy.

Reece Topley: With Josh Hazlewood unlikely to play a couple of games due to an injury, Reece Topley will get a chance to showcase his prowess. Left-arm seamers are generally tough to read and he can be that X factor with the ball in hand.

Mohammed Siraj: Siraj is in the form of his life at the moment. He has wreaked havoc in the ODI format and will be gunning to replicate the same form when the IPL starts. RCB will hope that he can churn out wickets with the new ball in hand.