Highlights:
- MI to face RCB in the IPL 2021 opener in Chennai.
- MI would be without Quinton de Kock for the first game of the season since he is still in quarantine.
- Daniel Sams, an all-rounder who recently tested positive for Covid-19, will also be missed by RCB.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to return to the spotlight nearly five months after the 2020 final. The Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will play their first match on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both teams have had their fair share of difficulties. Daniel Sams and Devdutt Padikkal of the RCB were infected with coronavirus. Sams is yet to recover, Padikkal is returning to the field. Adam Zampa will also be unavailable for the opener.
Due to quarantine regulations, Quinton de Kock, who returned midway from South Africa’s ODI series against Pakistan, might not play in the opening game for MI. Mumbai, however, can be said to have the upper hand, given that they are the five-time champions, though not a whole lot.
Also Read: Top 15 Best IPL Matches Till Now
MI Vs RCB Head-To-Head
When it comes to IPL encounters between the two teams, Mumbai Indians once again rules supreme. In fact, they have consistently outperformed RCB in the tournament.
Mumbai Indians have won 17 of the 27 matches between the two teams, while Royal Challengers Bangalore have won nine. One match ended in a tie, but RCB went on to win after the Super Over.
MI’s highest win percentage is 64.81 against RCB, after Pune Warriors and KKR.
Playing XI Prediction Of MI And RCB
Mumbai Indians Predicted XI
1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Chris Lynn
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Ishan Kishan (wk)
5. Kieron Pollard
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Krunal Pandya
8. Nathan Coulter Nile/Piyush Chawla
9. Rahul Chahar
10. Trent Boult
11. Jasprit Bumrah
Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted XI
1. Devdutt Padikkal
2. Virat Kohli (C)
3. AB de Villiers (wk)
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Rajat Patidar/Mohammad Azharuddeen
6. Sachin Baby/Suyash Prabhudessai
7. Daniel Christian
8. Washington Sundar
9. Mohammed Siraj
10. Yuzvendra Chahal
11. Kyle Jamieson/Kane Richardson
Probable best batsman of the match:
AB de Villiers is a big fan of Mumbai’s bowling lineup. In 23 games, the former Proteas batter has scored 726 runs at an average of 45.38 and a strike rate of 146.08. His highest IPL rating, an unbeaten 133, was also against MI. If the veteran gets going, he has the potential to cause havoc in the opposing camp.
Probable best bowler of the match
While playing against the Challengers, Jasprit Bumrah has put up some impressive numbers. The speedster has 19 wickets in 58 overs, the most he has ever had against any opponent. Given that he bowls in the powerplay and at the death, his economy of 7.55 is also understandable.
Match Prediction:
RCB have only won two of their eight games in MA Chidambaram Stadium; their style of play does not fit the stadium, but they do have one of the best spin bowling duos in the tournament, who could exploit the slow turners.
The Mumbai Indians is a versatile team that can win on any given day, but Quinton de Kock’s absence will have an impact on their existing lineup. In their middle order, they also have two of the best spin bowlers. Mumbai Indians have a good chance of winning.
