IPL 2023: 3 surprise picks for Dream11 fantasy team for MI vs RCB match
The Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) square off in the 54th match of IPL 2023 on Tuesday, May 9, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Easily one of the most-awaited contests of the season, this is also crucial to both sides' hopes of making it to the playoffs.
Both sides come into this match on the back of humbling defeats to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), respectively.
While RCB comfortably won the reverse fixture, it might not be as straightforward for them this time around.
Let's now look at three differentials for MI-RCB Dream11 contests.
#3 Chris Jordan (MI)
MI signed senior all-rounder Chris Jordan as Jofra Archer's replacement on Tuesday. Jordan should walk straight into the MI playing XI, considering their lack of bowling depth, and he has the opportunity to make a strong debut.
RCB's batting apart from Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis has been nothing to write about, and they've lost wickets in clumps, especially in the death overs. While he has the tendency to go for runs, Jordan is a very experienced death bowler and a wicket-taker.
He should pick up a handful of wickets and is a good Dream11 differential.
#2 Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
The wicket at the Wankhede should have some assistance for seamers and a hit-the-deck bowler like Josh Hazlewood should enjoy bowling there. Mohammed Siraj's fiery start to the season has cooled down a bit, and with Hazlewood opening the bowling alongside him, they'll want to contain the threat of the dangerous MI top order.
It's not easy to take down an accurate bowler like Hazlewood, but that's exactly what you expect a team like MI to do, and therein lies plenty of wicket-taking opportunities for the Aussie quick.
It's surprising that his ownership is pretty low, considering his performance in the IPL last season as well as in T20Is. He should pick up a Dream11 haul in this match.
#1 Rohit Sharma (MI)
Rohit Sharma's form has come under lots of criticism in recent times, but if there ever was a time for him to regain his mojo, this would be the perfect game. RCB is a side he has enjoyed batting against, although his performances in the last couple of seasons have lowered his average.
It's surprising when someone like Rohit is owned by a low percentage of Dream11 players because the upside to having him and his points potential will always be high. While he has gone hard in the powerplay and looked to play attacking cricket, he has struggled to convert starts into bigger scores, often perishing in the 20-30 run window.
Everyone knows how good a player he is and what he's capable of doing when in song. I'd take this opportunity and go all-in on Rohit Sharma as he's a massive Dream11 differential.