Match prediction: RCB to win
Toss prediction: RCB to win the toss and bowl first
The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is underway and finally, two of the much-talked-about teams, RCB and MI will get their campaign underway. Both teams will be looking to start the season on a winning note. Read on for our IPL prediction ahead of this big clash.
- Date and Time: April 2, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Contents
RCB vs MI match preview
Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB, under the leadership of Faf du Plessis, made it to the playoffs last season becoming the only one to reach the top four in the last three consecutive IPL editions. However, they weren’t able to win the trophy or even make it to the final. They haven’t changed their team much this year but added players like Reece Topley and Michael Bracewell to their line-up. However, the unavailability of players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood for different reasons is likely to hurt them at least at the start of the season.
Possible 11: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Michael Bracewell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Reece Topley/David Willey, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are coming into this IPL season after a disastrous performance in 2022 where they ended in the last position in the league stage. However, they are the most successful team with five trophies to their name under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Hence, one can certainly expect an improved show from them. Having said that, they will miss their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and though Jofra Archer is available, the bowling certainly looks thin.
Possible 11: Rohit Sharma (C), Cameron Green, Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Jofra Archer, Jason Behrendorff, Piyush Chawla
Pitch and expected weather conditions
The surface at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has changed drastically over the years. It is no more a featherbed for the batters and the pitch might be on the slower side which makes hitting a bit tough. The ball is likely to come slowly onto the bat and conditions may ease out as dew comes in later on in the evening.
The Bangalore weather is a little bit unpredictable and there is a slight chance of rain (4%) according to Accuweather. However, things should clear out ahead of the match. The temperature is expected to be around the early 20s.
RCB vs MI Dream11 prediction
- Wicket-keeper(s): Ishan Kishan
- Batter(s): Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Suryakumar Yadav
- All-rounder(s): Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green
- Bowler(s): Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Jason Behrendorff, Jofra Archer
- Recommended captains: Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli
- Recommended vice-captains: Glenn Maxwell, Suryakumar Yadav
It is always better to pick the players who will get a chance to play the maximum number of deliveries in Fantasy cricket. Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (or Green), Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli are likely to be the openers from both teams and hence, they are selected. All are world-class players and hence, risk cannot be taken to leave one of them out.
A couple of middle-order players who could also be all-rounders can be picked to cover up for an early wicket or a collapse. Glenn Maxwell and Surya cover up for the same in this team while Green continues to be an exciting option given his all-round prowess. With this being the first match for both sides, it is safe to have two bowlers each from both sides in the Fantasy team.
In order to choose a captain or vice-captain, it is always better to have one of the all-rounders as at least the vice-captain of your team.
Match prediction: RCB to win
RCB are expected to win this match thanks to the form of their clutch players. Even though a couple of their foreign players are not available, they have good enough replacements. The likes of Michael Bracewell and Reece Topley are really good backup players. MI’s thin bowling attack is also likely to be under pressure in this game with only Jofra Archer being the notable name and even he is returning from injury.
Toss prediction: RCB to win the toss and bowl first
RCB are certainly the favourites to win the match and for that to happen, the toss will play a crucial role. The team also possesses the chase master in Virat Kohli who likes challenges and the man is returning to top form as well. Moreover, the ball will come onto the bat nicely in the second innings at the ground, which has always aided the chasing sides. It will make batting easy.
Man of the match prediction: Mohammed Siraj
The pitch is fresh for the new season and the new ball might swing around for the first few overs. Irrespective of that, Siraj is known to strike upfront in the powerplay overs and those early strikes will set the tone for the rest of the match.
Betting odds
With this being the first match of the season for both teams, the betting odds for the winner of the match are equal. Even the odds for the highest opening partnership are the same for both sides.
