IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 5 winning factors
There is plenty at stake in the Wankhede Stadium as the team from the City of Dreams gets set to host the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the doubleheader on Monday.
It has been a contrasting journey for the two heavyweights of the Indian Premier League in the tenth edition of the tournament. While the Challengers are out of contention for a playoff spot, the Mumbai Indians are inching closer towards making it into the final four.
The Mumbai Indians are returning to their fortress after a nerve-wracking victory over the Gujarat Lions and will be looking to build on the winning momentum in this crucial encounter. The Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team, on the other hand, have never really got going in the tournament and endured yet another embarrassing loss to the Rising Pune Supergiant last time around.
Extra Cover: MI vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win the match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore
The team will be itching to prove their worth in the tournament and salvage some pride from the remainder of their league matches. It promises to be an exciting battle at the Wankhede Stadium as both the teams will be gunning for victory in this much-awaited contest.
Take a look at five key areas for both teams.
#1 With the bat
The Mumbai Indians have been in sublime form with the bat throughout the tenth edition of the tournament and will be looking to continue the good work against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Despite a middle order glitch in their last encounter against the Lions, the home team will be riding high on confidence mainly due to the stability and firepower in the batting line up. The Mumbai Indians are not reliant on one particular player to perform as different people have stood up and taken the responsibility of taking the team to victory.
Nitish Rana at number three has been a revelation for the home side as the left-hander has amassed 285 runs in the nine league matches so far and is currently one of the most exciting players in the domestic circuit.
The batting unit looks formidable for the home team with Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers ensuring plenty of fireworks at the back end of the innings.
The star-studded batting line-up of the Royal Challengers Bangalore has failed to live up to expectations in the tournament and they would be looking at this game as an opportunity to redeem themselves with the bat.
The onus will be on skipper Virat Kohli to lead from the front. They would also be banking on their experienced opener Chris Gayle to find some form and provide the team with an explosive start at the top of the order. The charismatic West Indian has been struggling for runs in the tournament and the fans of the Bangalore outfit would be hoping for a Gayle Storm at the Wankhede.