*MI VS RCB PREVIEW- MATCH 54*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*DO OR DIE FOR THE TWO GIANTS AT HAND:*
It does not get any better than this. Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma and their two powerpacked sides clashing up against one another in a packed Wankhede stadium with the hope of getting a win tonight to stay alive and kicking in the tournament. Both these outfits have lost 5 and won 5, their positions and their situations are identical but am improved effort tonight can set them two points apart and give way for a boost ridden promotion in the extremely competitive points table as well.
The two stalwarts of the game and the alpha males of the two sides, Rohit and Virat have had contrasting seasons so far but critical aspects of their game have still been found. While the MI great has been going through a torrid run with the bat, without any respite, Virat has come under the criticism of strike rate and not being able to tackle the spin threat in the middle overs something that he was taken a toll for in years 2020 and 2021 as well. Post 7:30pm gives them an opportunity to rise to the occasion and step up for their respective sides, providing MI and RCB with the much needed energy.
*RCB PROBABLE XI:*
Virat Kohli, Faf Duplisses(c), Suyash Prabhudesai, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj
Expecting Jadhav to retain his position in the team with Karn Sharma likely to be slotted out given the conditions here at Wankhede which favour the fast bowlers and the pacers more.
The opening duo with the bowl of Siraj and Hazlewood could be game changing with both being seam bowlers who hit the deck hard and extract plenty of bounce. This venue should suit their style of play and they will be raring to go out there and push MI on the back foot.
Mahipal Lomror scoring an attacking fifty should be a bonus for RCB and something that they required desperately. Any player chipping with a valuable contribution outside the Big 3 automatically makes RCB stronger.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
This could be the perfect game to unleash the wild thing- ‘Avinash Singh’. With the Wankhede surface favouring the faster and taller bowlers, Avinash could just find himself at ease here. I would love to see him as the impact substitute. Otherwise Vyshak could come in when RCB bowl second with Prabhudesai playing the same role if they bat second.
*MI PROBABLE XI:*
Cameron Green, Ishan Kishan(wk), Tilak Verma, Rohit Sharma(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Jofra Archer, Piyush Chawla, Arshad Khan, Jason Behnrendroff/ Kumar Karthiye
Behrendroff with his natural swing position and his ability to swing the ball both ways should be perfect fit for a venue like the Wankhede. His height plays an integral factor too. He could come back to the MI XI replacing Karthiye who hasn’t shown loads of confidence so far.
Rohit could push himself down the order, featuring at 4, after featuring at 3 last game. The youngster Tilak Verma could also come back to the team after having missed the last game which was the El Classico, vs CSK. Ideally, MI shouldn’t change their opening combination again pushing Green down the order. He is one attacking player whose style of play goes well with the opening position.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Kumar Karthiye could play the role of an impact substitute if MI bowl second. If they bowl first, Tilak could play a similar role.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR RCB:*
Highest run getter- Virat Kohli/Faf Duplisses
Highest wicket taker- Josh Hazlewood/Wanindu Hasaranga
*FOR MI:*
Highest run getter- Cameron Green/Suryakumar Yadav
Highest wicket taker- Piyush Chawla/Jofra Archer
*FOR THE GAME:*
RCB to win