IPL 2022 | RCB vs MI ❘ Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Fantasy XI

The 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will see Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. It has been a contrasting journey for the two teams till now in this edition of the IPL.

Mumbai are yet to open its account, having lost three matches on the trot. In their last encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they had no answer to the counter-attacking punch led by Pat Cummins. As a result, Daniel Sams was taken to the cleaners by the Australian Test skipper, with the former conceding 35 runs in one over.

MI will have to play out of their skin to get the first points on board. Suryakumar Yadav’s return from injury, and his partnership with Tilak Verma, were the only two positives for the team in their game against KKR. 

Bowling woes and Rohit Sharma’s lean patch have been primarily responsible for the team’s indifferent performance. Mumbai need their bowlers to support Jasprit Bumrah, who has been waging a lone battle. Dewald Brevis, the U-19 sensation from South Africa, presented a glimpse of his talent in his debut match. The team will look upon ‘Baby AB’ to play some match-winning knocks in the upcoming games.

On the other hand, RCB registered a comprehensive four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their last match. Dinesh Karthik and young Shahbaz Ahmed put on a stellar show to get the team over the line. They would like to continue their winning march and strengthen their position on the points table.

RCB would like their former skipper, Virat Kohli, to be back among runs. While Karthik has been playing the finisher’s role to perfection, RCB’s top-order needs to contribute more. Eyes will be on Anuj Rawat, who has not been too impressive on the grand stage. 

Harshal Patel has been excellent in the death overs for RCB. He is on the right track in a bid to defend his Purple Cap. Wanindu Hasaranga has also spun a web around the opposition batters. RCB’s bowling looks in good shape ahead of their match against MI.

Match details

Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, Match 18

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. 

Date & Time: 9th April at 7:30 PM IST & Local Time

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar

Playing Conditions

The pitch at MCA stadium in Pune has had something for everyone. In the three matches played at this venue, the team batting first has won twice. Pacers have extracted some movement in the Powerplay overs. However, new batters have struggled with their timing. Hence, it is vital to build partnerships and keep wickets in hand. 

Pitch Stats (IPL 2022)

Matches Played: 3

Matches Won Batting First: 2

Matches Won Bowling First: 1

Average 1st Inning Score: 180

Average 2nd Inning Score: 156

Injury update/Player Availability/Expected Changes

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Glenn Maxwell will be available for selection for Saturday’s second match of the day. He is likely to replace Sherfane Rutherford in the XI. His inclusion will further strengthen RCB’s batting prowess. And his off-breaks will come in handy against MI’s southpaws.

Mumbai Indians: We can expect aggressive changes in MI’s bowling lineup. Basil Thampi and Daniel Sams are likely to face the axe. Fabian Allen and Jaydev Unadkat should be the likely replacements.

Squads

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Siddarth Kaul, Karn Sharma, Chama V Milind, Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Suyash Prabhudessai, Aneeshwar Gautam, Glenn Maxwell

Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Dewald Brevis, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat, Fabian Allen, Sanjay Yadav, Riley Meredith, Ramandeep Singh, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal, Arjun Tendulkar, Hrithik Shokeen, Rahul Buddhi, Arshad Khan, Anmolpreet Singh, Tim David

Likely XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Dewald Brevis, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat

Crex XI Suggestion

Wicket-Keepers: Ishan Kishan, Dinesh Karthik

Batters: Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Faf du Plessis 

All-Rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed

Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Murugan Ashwin

Captain: Suryakumar Yadav

Vice-Captain: Faf du Plessis