IPL 2022: RCB vs MI Preview – Confident Bangalore up against winless Mumbai

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians will have their task cut out against the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore in a group stage match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 to be played at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The mouth-watering encounter will take place on April 9 (Saturday).

RCB after facing defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings in their tournament opener, came crawling back into the tournament, as they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in their next two encounters. Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been in sublime touch for the Royals, providing them with perfect ending in their innings.

Meanwhile, the five-time champions are yet to open their account in IPL, as they have lost their previous three encounters – against Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The biggest concern for MI dugout would be the lack of form from their two experienced players including Jasprit Bumrah and skipper Rohit Sharma.

The five-time champions will want to open their account in the points table after beating the RCB. Meanwhile, the Red Army would want to continue their winning momentum.

Here’s the Predicted Playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians

Royal Challengers Bangalore

On a winning momentum, RCB would not want to change their playing XI for the game against the five-time champions

Anuj Rawat, Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, David Willey, Shefane Rutherford, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Mumbai Indians

Australian allrounder Daniel Sams, who is having a horrible time in the tournament so far, might be replaced by West Indian all-rounder and hard-hitter Fabian Allen

Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi