RCB vs MI: Detailed preview, Playing XI and TV listing
What's the story
The IPL 2019 is off to a great start, as we enter match number seven. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are scheduled to take on former champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. Both the teams are coming off embarrassing losses, as we present the match preview and predicted Playing XI for this thrilling encounter.
Latest story
RCB humbled by CSK, MI stunned by DC
RCB were thrashed by defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL opener. CSK mauled them by seven wickets in a low-scoring encounter in Chennai as the Chennai spinners dominated the show. As for MI, they too were annihilated by Delhi Capitals in the opening game in Mumbai, and they lost by 37 runs in what was a high-scoring match.
Team news
Focus on AB de Villiers and Yuvraj Singh
Only Parthiv Patel could manage to score in double digits in the opener against CSK, while AB de Villiers scored nine. These guys are likely to be in focus again, along with skipper Virat Kohli. As for MI, Yuvraj Singh played a sensible knock of 53, while Mitchell McClenaghan claimed 3/40. They would hog the limelight, along with their leader Rohit Sharma.
Head-to-head
MI have the edge over RCB
They have clashed 23 times in the IPL to date, with MI winning 14, while RCB have pocketed the remaining nine. Out of 20 matches that have been played in India, MI have won 14, while RCB have emerged victorious in the remaining six. They have played nine matches in Bengaluru, as MI have won seven, while RCB have clinched the remaining.
Pitch report
Chinnaswamy expected to be a sporty track
The Chinnaswamy track has always been a flat track, which assists the batsmen. It is expected to be no different this time. And, especially, after the horror show in Chennai, RCB batsmen would be looking to get off to a flying start at home. Interestingly, both the teams have enough firepower in their ranks to extract the maximum out of this track.
Predicted XI
Changes expected in playing XI
RCB: Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, Moeen Ali, AB de Villiers, Shimron Hetmyer, Shivam Dube, Colin de Grandhomme, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Kulwant Khejroliya. MI: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell McClenaghan, Rasikh Salam, Jasprit Bumrah. Dream XI: Quinton de Kock, Kohli, Hetmyer, Rohit, ABD, Dube, Krunal, Chahal, Salam, Siraj, Malinga.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Mumbai Indians (MI). Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional languages channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.