IPL 2017 MI vs RCB: Mumbai Indians (MI) Today's Probable playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
With seven wins out of nine, Mumbai Indians have got off to a great start to IPL 2017. In their last game against Gujarat Lions, they came through in a super over as they almost messed up a straightforward chase. But back at home, they will be looking to take advantage of Kolkata Knight Riders’ loss at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad and reclaim top spot with a win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have won just two games all season long.
In the 38th match of IPL 2017, they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Here is the possible playing XI for Rohit Sharma’s side –
Extra Cover: IPL 2017 MI vs RCB: Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) Probable playing XI against Mumbai Indians (MI)
Openers
Jos Buttler
The decision to promote Jos Buttler raised quite a few eyebrows at the start of the IPL but the critics haven’t had much to say as the England international has repaid the faith shown by his side. Just two single-digit scores in this year’s tournament so far coupled with his career-best T20 score just highlights the form he has been in and the 26-year-old will be looking to continue that against RCB.
Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel might not have been many MI fans’ choice to open the innings in this year’s edition but the diminutive wicketkeeper has been a consistent performer at the top of the innings for his side. He has been the perfect foil for Buttler and been getting the job done without always hogging all the headlines.
Middle-order
Nitish Rana
MI owe a huge debt to Gautam Gambhir as Nitish Rana has been one of the finds of the tournament so far. The 23-year-old left-hander has shown immense potential and repaid the faith shown in him by the side. Although he hasn’t been amongst the runs in the last few matches, he still has three fifties to his name this season.
After scoring at least 30 in five of the first six games of the season, Rana has managed just 30 runs in the last three matches and the southpaw will be looking to change that against RCB.
Rohit Sharma
So far in IPL 2017, Rohit Sharma has struggled against leg spinners and hasn’t been amongst the runs. While his team have been winning and he has made great strides as a captain his form with the bat continues to be an area of concern for MI. While the rest of the batting has got going so far, an in-form Rohit will be crucial to their chances of winning their third IPL title as the tournament progresses.
Kieron Pollard
The West Indian all-rounder might no longer be the all-round threat that he once was with the bat, ball and in the field but he is still an integral part of the MI side. He is still one of the best fielders in the side and he has already made match-winning contributions with the bat and remains one of the most reliable players in the side.
All-rounders
Krunal Pandya
After missing the game against Pune, Krunal Pandya made the perfect comeback against Gujarat Lions as he scored a crucial cameo and picked up three wickets in their super over win over Suresh Raina's side. The flexibility that he provides Rohit Sharma cannot be measured in just his wickets or runs. The fact that he has a calm head on his shoulders only bodes well for his future.
Hardik Pandya
With the Champions Trophy to be held in Englnad, now more than ever, India are in need of a seam-bowling all-rounder and Hardik Pandya seems to be the ideal solution to that on the basis of form so far in the IPL. Whether it is swinging the new ball or bowling his yorkers at the death, Hardik has been on target this season.
The fact that he has been able to finish the innings with the bat as well and see his side home only strengthens his credentials.
Extra Cover: MI vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore
Spinner
Harbhajan Singh
While most sides in the tournament have gone for a wrist spinner, Mumbai Indians have opted for fingers spinners and the control that they afford. While Harbhajan Singh hasn't been amongst the wickets in this year's tournament, his job is very different to most spinners in the tournament.
He has been used at various stages of the game and irrespective of when he has bowled, he has displayed impeccable control and kept the runs down, which is his primary role in the side.
Seamers
Mitchell McClenaghan
When MI first got in the New Zealand fast bowler some eyebrows were raised but since then he has more than repaid the faith that the side have shown in him. With the new ball, he has the knack of picking up crucial wickets while he is no slouch at the death overs either.
The fact that he has the pace to trouble batsmen and can also hit some over the fence with the willow in hand only enhances his value to the side.
Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga replaced Mitchell Johnson in the starting XI and continues to be an integral part of the MI side. While he may no longer be the go-to death bowler that he once was or have the extra yard of pace, he is still incredibly hard to get away.
The Sri Lankan fast bowler still has an element of mystery that teams haven’t quite been able to figure out and his slower balls are just as deceptive as they were when he first started playing and that makes him a devastating prospect to face.
Jasprit Bumrah
If there was any doubt as to who the leader of the Mumbai attack was, then it was cleared in the last game against Gujarat Lions. Not only did Bumrah bowl the super over but also delivered one of the best overs in the tournament’s history despite bowling a no-ball and a wide as he defended 12 runs to help his side get over the line. The no ball problem is a concern and one he will look to rectify before the Champions Trophy.