MI v RCB, 1st Match IPL 2021 Probable Playing XI: Who Will Open With Kohli?
In the first of IPL 2021, Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians will be up against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore on 9th April, Friday.
Mumbai Indians has a very strong batting lineup filled with power-hitters and they bat deep as well. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are in fine form in the T20s currently. Rohit Sharma didn't fire much in his previous few games for India, so he would be willing to start the tournament on a high. The finishers MI has, are some of the best - Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, and Krunal Pandya.
Mumbai might opt to go with either Chris Lynn or extra bowler with James Neesham. Lynn is a top-order hitter while Neesham is a finisher who can bowl four overs as well. Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah are sure shot starters in the bowling. They would hope to give the same performance just like they did in the IPL 2020.
Rahul Chahar had a decent run in the Indian team where he played two T20Is against England. He is a regular feature in MI's playing XI and will get crucial on a likely spinning track.
Royal Challengers Bangalore is always ready with a star-studded lineup. Virat Kohli will be opening the innings but it will be interesting to see who will be his partner. Though Devdutt Padikkal has joined the squad and has started to train and RCB would want him to open the innings considering his form.
Rajat Patidar smacked a century in the intra-squad practice match. He is an exciting talent and could feature in RCB's playing XI. Glenn Maxwell will be the key player in the middle order for RCB along with Dan Christian, who had a good BBL season earlier this year.
The bowling looks a bit weak considering the recent form of a few bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kyle Jamieson haven't had a memorable last series with their respective countries. Navdeep Saini hasn't had much of a match practice lately.
Mumbai Indians has dominated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past especially in the last few seasons. MI has a good chance to start their tournament with a win this season against an inconsistent RCB.
Probable Playing XI:
Mumbai Indians - Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Neesham/Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Royal Challengers Bangalore - Virat Kohli, Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar/ Devdutt Padikkal, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal