BENGALURU: Lower than 10 days in the past, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had been busy strategising in opposition to Australia. On Sunday, the 2 Indian batting icons will come up in opposition to one another as Royal Challengers Bangalore start their IPL marketing campaign at house in opposition to Mumbai Indians.
RCB, who play a clutch of matches on the M Chinnaswamy stadium within the first 4 weeks of the competitors, can be eager to money in on the house benefit and set the tone for the season.
However, Mumbai, who had a forgettable 2022, ending on the backside of the pile, will draw inspiration from their wonderful monitor document at this high-scoring venue. They’ve outplayed the hosts in eight of their 10 contests right here. Nevertheless, RCB have received three of their final 5 encounters.
By way of group construction, Mumbai, who misplaced eight consecutive matches earlier than discovering their footing within the earlier season, will depend on their Indian expertise, whereas RCB will financial institution on their abroad power. Skipper Rohit leads the batting meeting which incorporates Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Thilak Varma.
However, Kohli and Dinesh Karthik kind the fulcrum of the Indian batters for RCB. Within the absence of an injured Rajat Patidar, who had a breakaway 2022 season, Anuj Rawat and Suyash Prabhudessai must step up alongside Mahipal Lomror.
The place RCB have an edge over MI might be their bowling assault. Weakened by the absence of pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Englishman Jofra Archer will lead the tempo assault, with seasoned campaigner Piyush Chawla being the frontline spinner.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore lock horns in opposition to Mumbai Indians
Glenn Maxwell’s return to motion following a freak accident augurs effectively for the house facet as does the type of captain Faf du Plessis. With Josh Hazlewood prone to be part of the group solely after the midway mark, the function of Reece Topley can be essential.
Historically, RCB’s left-arm pacers have had a superb run on house turf and the England quick bowler will look to emulate his predecessor. He can be joined by Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel.
With leggie Wanindu Hasaranga but to affix the squad, new entrant Michael Bracewell may make his debut for the Bengaluru-based franchise because the fourth abroad participant. Shahbaz Ahmed would be the different spin choice.