Wooden spooners last time around, Mumbai Indians hope to get their season off to a good start against formidable RCB
BENGALURU: Less than 10 days ago, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were busy strategising against Australia. On Sunday, the two Indian batting icons will come up against each other as Royal Challengers Bangalore begin their IPL campaign at home against Mumbai Indians.
RCB, who play a clutch of matches at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in the first four weeks of the competition, will be keen to cash in on the home advantage and set the tone for the season.
On the other hand, Mumbai, who had a forgettable 2022, finishing at the bottom of the pile, will draw inspiration from their excellent track record at this high-scoring venue. They have outplayed the hosts in eight of their 10 contests here. However, RCB have won three of their last five encounters.
In terms of team structure, Mumbai, who lost eight consecutive matches before finding their footing in the previous season, will rely on their Indian talent, while RCB will bank on their overseas strength. Skipper Rohit leads the batting assembly which includes Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Thilak Varma.
On the other hand, Kohli and Dinesh Karthik form the fulcrum of the Indian batters for RCB. In the absence of an injured Rajat Patidar, who had a breakaway 2022 season, Anuj Rawat and Suyash Prabhudessai will have to step up alongside Mahipal Lomror.
Where RCB have an edge over MI is probably their bowling attack. Weakened by the absence of pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Englishman Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack, with seasoned campaigner Piyush Chawla being the frontline spinner.
Glenn Maxwell's return to action following a freak accident augurs well for the home side as does the form of captain Faf du Plessis. With Josh Hazlewood likely to join the team only after the halfway mark, the role of Reece Topley will be crucial.
1/10:IPL 2023: RCB look for a winning start in front of home crowd
2/10:Opening match for both teams
<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to maintain their recent dominance over Mumbai Indians when the two teams clash in their opening match of the Indian Premier League season on Sunday.<br /><br /></p>
3/10:RCB have bragging rights
<p>RCB recorded three consecutive wins against Mumbai Indians in their last five meetings since IPL 2020.<br /><br /><br /></p>
4/10:Home advantage for RCB
<p>RCB, who are once again in search of their maiden title win in the league, would want to make a winning start in front of their loyal fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.<br /><br /><br /></p>
5/10:Injury concerns
<p>However, it remains to be seen how RCB will cope without players like Rajat Patidar and Josh Hazlewood, who both have been sidelined for at least the first half of this IPL due to injuries. Glenn Maxwell is also unlikely to feature.<br /><br /><br /></p>
6/10:Onus on Faf, Kohli
<p>While captain Faf du Plessis and former skipper Virat Kohli are expected to do the heavy lifting in the top-order batting, pacers Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj will be the strike bowlers.<br /><br /></p>AFP
7/10:Forgettable last season MI
<p>Mumbai Indians ended the last IPL at the last spot in the points table with only four wins to show from 14 matches.<br /><br /></p>PTI
8/10:Most successful team
<p>The most successful team in IPL history with five trophies in their cabinet, Mumbai will aim to put their best foot forward against a formidable RCB side.<br /><br /><br /></p>AFP
9/10:Archer to lead MI's attack
<p>Without their ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Jhye Richardson who are ruled out for the season, MI's hopes will be pinned on Jofra Archer to fill the void.<br /><br /><br /></p>
10/10:MI's decorated batting line up
<p>MI captain Rohit Sharma and the experienced Suryakumar Yadav will be the linchpins in the batting department, which now features young players such as Tilak Verma, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Tim David.<br /></p>Traditionally, RCB's left-arm pacers have had a good run on home turf and the England fast bowler will look to emulate his predecessor. He will be joined by Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel.
With leggie Wanindu Hasaranga yet to join the squad, new entrant Michael Bracewell could make his debut for the Bengaluru-based franchise as the fourth overseas player. Shahbaz Ahmed will be the other spin option.
