What is the Cricket Match Today? Expected Changes, Winner Prediction
MI set to battle against RCB [iplt20.com]
The big match is just around the corner as the Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
With the points table stacked, this game is crucial in the context of the tournament. Both the teams have 10 points each and will be looking for a win here tonight at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
In the previous encounter which took place last month, RCB thrashed the five-time IPL champions by 8-wickets at the Chinnaswamy, but interestingly they have lost the last 4 encounters at the Wankhede, and will be aiming to break that jinx.
What is the venue of the MI vs RCB game?
The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will witness two of the most popular teams in the IPL go head-to-head against each other. When they fought at the Chinnaswamy in April 2023, RCB had an easy win, but with the home crowd behind them, Rohit Sharma and his troops will look to get the better of the visitors.
What are the expected changes in the playing XI of MI vs RCB?
Tilak Varma missed the last IPL match for MI due to an injury, and his absence was dearly felt as MI lost the match against the Chennai Super Kings. However, Tilak is fit for the next game and should come in directly into the playing XI. If he plays, Tristan Stubbs will sit out.
Moreover, with Jofra Archer ruled out for the remaining of the IPL season, Chris Jordan, the newest recruit for MI will replace Archer. Apart from that, expect them to play the same team that fielded against CSK.
Expected playing XI of Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Arshad Khan
Impact Players: Dewald Brevis, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Tendulkar, Raghav Goyal, Tristan Stubbs.
What are the expected changes in the playing XI of RCB vs MI?
RCB suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals in their previous IPL match. Despite posting a strong 181 on the board, the target was achieved with utmost ease, thanks to a Phil Salt assault.
With 10 points from 10 matches, RCB will need to win this contest in order to stay alive in the competition. The only change you can expect is Suyash Prabhudessai coming in for Anuj Rawat. Prabhudessai has not been given the opportunity he deserves, but on a wicket that suits the batters, he can be a devastating option.
The likes of Harshal Patel and Vijaykumar Vyshak will most likely be in the substitutes bench.
Expected playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore
Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Suyash Prabhudessai, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Wanindu Hasaranga, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood
Impact Players: Harshal Patel, Anuj Rawat, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Michael Bracewell, Shahbaz Ahmed.
Winner Prediction
A tough one to predict. The last time these two teams met, RCB dismantled the MI side. However, Mumbai have found a new confidence, and with RCB having an average record at the Wankhede, expect the home team to win this contest in a close battle.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
