IPL 2018, RCB vs MI: Mumbai Indians (MI) today's probable playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
It seems to be a scripted story for the Mumbai Indians, battered and shattered in the first few games with heart-breaking last over losses, the defending champions are back on track in an attempt to bring some life into their campaign. They walk into three-time IPL finalists, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are themselves struggling to stay afloat.
While Rohit clashes with captain Kohli in the battle of two of IPL's most popular teams, you can make the right choices and be the strategist of your own team as well. Bonus? You get to earn big as well!
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You can take some clues and build your XI based on the probable team:
Suryakumar Yadav: He's closer to home with the Mumbai Indians, and he seemed to be feeling at home at the top-order. An inspired move to keep him as one of the openers, he is repaying the faith shown, having returned with solid numbers, holding one end while squeezing out boundaries in the powerplay.
Evin Lewis: The more enterprising of the two openers, Lewis has blown hot and cold, but it isn't surprising, considering the way his game has been built. His 47 in the previous game, albeit uncharacteristically sluggish, suggested that he can also stick around when need be, and isn't all bombs and missiles.
Rohit Sharma: Under-fire for reasons best known to his detractors, Rohit came out all guns blazing against the Super Kings in the previous game, showing how he fits perfectly at the No.3 slot. His 33-ball 56 closed the game for the Mumbai and the mouth of all his critics.
Ishan Kishan: The young wicket-keeper has had a roller-coaster IPL, complete with a bruised eye, some missed chances behind the stumps and a few streaks of brilliance in front of it. He could be shunted up and down the order, based on the situation.
JP Duminy: The South African has been waiting in the wings for quite a while, but a misfiring Kieron Pollard gave the left-hander in the playing XI for the Chennai game, even though his contribution was next to nil. Experienced, even when it comes to the IPL, he can be a game-changer on his day.
Hardik Pandya: He was under scrutiny for his indifferent form with the bat, especially after his inexplicably scratchy innings against the Sunrisers in a failed chase. He's delivered the goods with his bowling but needs to stick around and finish more games like he did against Chennai in the previous one.
Krunal Pandya: It will be another edition of the famed clash between Pandya and AB de Villiers, who comes out trumps here can have a huge impact on the game. The left-arm spinner can really stifle the opposition with his tight lines and is an asset in the current lineup, especially with the crucial bits he contributes with, with the bat as well.
Mitchell McClenaghan: Having replaced Jason Behrendorff in the squad, McClenaghan can be expensive on most days, but also has the crucial ability to prise out wickets at crucial junctures. Against Chennai, his spell of 2-26 helped restrict the opposition to a below par score.
Mustafizur Rahman: Ben Cutting hasn't been getting the required opportunities at No.8, which could pave the way for the return of The Fizz. The surface at the Chinnaswamy can be sluggish at times, which could work well for the left-arm pacer and is brand of cutters.
Mayank Markande: He's young, he's raw, and even though he has impressed with his turn and guile, there's still scope for improvement for the youngster. The X-factor in the team, he was taken to the cleaners by Dhoni and Co. in the last game and will be itching to make his presence felt instead of batting stars in the RCB camp.
Jasprit Bumrah: After having shown signs of rustiness in the first few games, Bumrah is slowly warming up. Even though he did not get any wickets against Chennai, he stuck to a plan, suffocating the opposition with his nagging lines and an almost-unplayable yorker. Time for him, however, to take more responsibility at the death.