Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede – On paper, this is a blockbuster contest between two sides who have some fine players in the ranks and millions of loyal fans. But the reality says MI are placed eighth and RCB a slot below, at ninth.
Both teams have enough holes to fix. However, MI will take some confidence from the fact that they won their last game versus Delhi Capitals. Romario Shepherd’s inclusion proved to be a game-changer as the all-rounder cracked an explosive 39 off just 10 deliveries. The big-hitting prowess of the Guyanese all-rounder could again come into the equation against a bowling attack that can crack under pressure.
MI will also be pleased with the fact that Tim David made a valuable contribution. The Australian cricketer has done a serviceable job for his side, but comparisons with the franchise’s legend, Kieron Pollard, hasn’t helped his cause. With Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan also showcasing their array of shots in that game, the batting engine has been cranked up.
On the bowling side, MI still depend on Jasprit Bumrah, the Mr. Reliable. Gerald Coetzee has taken his share of wickets, but he has also been expensive. Meanwhile, the spinners haven’t made much of an impact. RCB, their opponent, have bigger problems on the bowling front. In the last game, Reece Topley, the tall left-arm pace bowler, made an impression by bagging a few wickets. Yash Dayal and Glenn Maxwell are the top wicket-takers for the side. And their names are nowhere to be found in the top 15 wicket-takers for the IPL season.
To make matters worse for RCB, their spinners too have performed poorly. Mayank Dagar, the main spinner, has taken a solitary wicket in the tournament so far. Himanshu Sharma, who played in the RR-RCB match, also was taken for runs. In the midst of all their problems, Virat Kohli is the current Orange Cap holder. Unfortunately for RCB, none of the other batters have been in form — be it Faf du Plessis, Maxwell or Rajat Patidar.
Mahipal Lomror, who has given enough evidence of his pyrotechnics, was a part of the Impact Subs and didn’t find a place in the starting XI in Jaipur. Somehow, RCB ended up with the inexperienced Saurav Chauhan and Cameron Green in the slog overs and not Dinesh Karthik and Lomror.
From strategic errors to key personnel not performing, the RCB think tank has a lot to ponder. But as witnessed in the Gujarat Titans-Rajasthan Royals game, the T20 format is unpredictable. And in the IPL, where most teams are evenly matched, the ninth or a 10th ranked side can pip the top-ranked team on a given day. And here, one is thinking of the 8th and 9th-placed sides. So, RCB would believe today is the day to chart a turnaround in their fortunes.
For more sports content : https://revsportz.in/