Smriti Mandhana's side eyes home advantage against MI in WPL
What's the story
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to continue their brilliant run in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) as they enter their home leg.
Although they miss a few key players from last season, the Indian core has stepped up.
Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Singh have all played a pivotal role in RCB's success this season.
The team would be keen to make the most of their home ground at Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they won three out of five games last season.
Player performances
RCB's Indian players shine in WPL
Smriti Mandhana has been in phenomenal form this season, carrying her successful run.
Richa Ghosh showed her class against Delhi Capitals after a stunning show against Gujarat Giants.
Renuka Singh's new-ball bowling has also become a major weapon for the side.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) have been heavily dependent on their overseas players with Nat Sciver-Brunt spearheading the attack with consistent performances.
Team dynamics
MI's overseas players dominate, Indian lineup needs boost
MI's success has been largely driven by their overseas players.
Nat Sciver-Brunt has been in excellent form with both bat and ball, scoring a 59-ball 80 not out against DC and a solo effort of 57 against Giants.
Hayley Mathews and Amelia Kerr have also played crucial roles as key wicket-takers for MI.
However, the team is seeking more support from its Indian lineup, particularly in the batting department to post higher scores.
Team strategy
RCB's strategic changes and player performances
In a tactical move, RCB swapped Prema Rawat with senior left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht for the DC clash. Bisht returned to the side with 2-35, sending Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen back.
MI also made two changes for their clash against Giants, bringing in Parunika Sisodia and G Kamalini.
The RCB-MI clash at Chinnaswamy Stadium will test RCB's Indian unit against MI's overseas.
Key players
Players to watch: Renuka Singh and Hayley Mathews
Renuka Singh, who had a forgettable WPL 2024, has made a strong comeback this season. She has picked five wickets in RCB's last two games using the new ball to great effect.
Meanwhile, Hayley Mathews may not have had great outings with the bat thus far but her bowling has been a boon for MI. In her second match, she ended with frugal figures of 3 for 16 to restrict Giants to 120 as she took the Player-of-the-Match award.