IPL 2024: MI vs RCB Playing XI Preview – Kohli-Bumrah Clash, Hardik-Faf Leadership Test
During an online discussion with Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist recently raised a crucial point about Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He noted that after Virat Kohli, who leads both the RCB and IPL batting charts with 7579 runs, the second-highest Indian scorer for the franchise is Rahul Dravid, amassing 898 runs. Dinesh Karthik stands as the second-highest among the current lot with 701 runs.
Gilchrist’s observation appears to be on target. Since Dravid’s departure from RCB in 2010, there has been a noticeable gap in the team’s batting lineup that remains unfilled. This void has contributed to RCB’s consistent underperformance in the Indian Premier League, evident in the multitude of sarcastic and satirical memes circulating on social media platforms.
Reece Topley, the RCB bowler from England, acknowledged the significance of Gilchrist’s point on the eve of their upcoming match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. However, Topley pointed out that the observation spans different eras, suggesting that changes in leadership, with individuals like Mo Bobat and Andy Flower not being in charge of the side, could have influenced the team dynamics. He emphasized his inability to offer insights from his own experience, having not been part of the team for the entirety of the past 16 years.
RCB throughout IPL
The batting crisis for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2024 has exacerbated this year, with runs predominantly coming from Virat Kohli’s bat, who currently holds the Orange Cap with 316 runs. However, the lack of contributions from other Indian batters and overseas players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green has left RCB struggling in the bottom half of the table with just one win. Additionally, their historical struggles at the Wankhede Stadium, where they trail 3-7 against Mumbai Indians, add to their challenges.
Conversely, Mumbai Indians have seen a resurgence in form, particularly after their convincing win against Delhi Capitals. However, their captain, Rohit Sharma, has faced issues with form, particularly in the death overs, which has prompted discussions within the team. Despite Rohit’s inconsistencies, players like Hardik Pandya have played crucial roles in setting up platforms for success.
Probable XI for MI
Ahead of their IPL 2024 clash, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have finalized their probable XI, focusing on key matchups and tactics. For Mumbai Indians, the likely lineup includes Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, and Jasprit Bumrah, with Akash Madhwal as the impact sub.
Probable XI for RCB
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s probable XI comprises Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Saurav Chauhan, Reece Topley, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, and Yash Dayal, with Mahipal Lomror or Akash Deep as the potential impact sub.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding both teams, the IPL 2024 encounter promises a thrilling showdown at the Wankhede Stadium, with small boundaries and a batting-friendly wicket setting the stage for a high-scoring contest.
