MI vs RCB Preview – Mumbai, Bangalore eye important win to stay alive
Mumbai Indians will host the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, in the 54th game of the Indian Premier League 2023 on Tuesday, May 9. Both MI and RCB will be coming off defeats from their previous encounters against Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, and with the tournament nearing the playoff stage, the upcoming clash will be crucial for both sides.
MI and RCB locked earlier horns in the fifth game of the tournament at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It was the curtain raiser for the two sides, and the Faf du Plessis-led RCB managed to emerge victorious, thereby handing an eight-wicket defeat to the five-time champions. But as of now, both sides have been struggling in the middle of the points table.
Mumbai’s last encounter was against CSK, where they lost the game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, facing their first defeat at the venue in 13 years. RCB, on the other hand, were handed a defeat at the hands of the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. While Mumbai needs to strengthen the top order, RCB needs to work on their bowling and middle order.
Pitch and conditions
The surface at the Wankhede Stadium has supported both batters and bowlers equally. The previous games at the venue have seen runs in surplus of 200 scored, and given the power-hitters on both the teams, the game might as well be a high-scoring one.
Venue details: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Last T20 match at the venue: RR – 212/7 (20 overs) | MI– 214/4 (20 overs)
Here’s the probable playing XI for Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore clash:
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma and Co have not entered the playoffs since the past two seasons, and will be gunning for their sixth title. To achieve the same, they must put in their best efforts and win all the remaining games.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB’s topsy-turvy ride at the IPL this year continued as after defeating LSG in a brilliant manner, they were handed a humiliating defeat by Delhi. The upcoming clash will be one between a team that has won the title five times and a team that is yet to win a title in 16 years of the tournament.
