IPL 2018, RCB vs MI: 5 player battles to look forward to
At the beginning of the tournament, no one expected defending champions Mumbai Indians and the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore to be placed at 6th and 7th respectively in the table after 7 games. While the hosts RCB lost their previous game at home to Kolkata Knight Riders, MI recorded a commanding win over Chennai Super Kings and it will be the visitors who will have more confidence going into today's game.
RCB’s AB de Villiers is expected to be back after missing the previous game and that would certainly be a welcome change to their batting line-up.
At the end of the day, the individual battles that will take place at Bengaluru tonight will decide the fate of the game and here is a look at the 5 most important player battles.
#5 Quinton de Kock v Mitchell McClenaghan
In the last two games, RCB’s South African star got back into form as he made 53 and 29 against Delhi Daredevils and KKR respectively. He would want to continue his good work and get a good score at the top of the order in tonight’s big game against MI. He is striking at 130.20 so far and he would definitely want to improve on that when he comes up against MI’s bowlers tonight.
One bowler who has been a steady performer for MI thus far has been Mitchell McClenaghan and his battle against the left-hander is going to be fascinating. The Kiwi can bowl quick and in addition to that, is a quintessential ‘hit the deck’ bowler. He has taken 8 wickets so far and gone for 8.70 runs an over. When these two run into each other tonight it is going to be a fascinating watch.