It's super Saturday as RCB take on the Mumbai Indians

The Royal Challengers Bangalore managed to shake off the initial hiccups that saw them staging an incredible watershed, as they surpassed the likes of Rajasthan Royals in a high-octane thriller. They will be up against the mighty Mumbai Indians who have been the most successful team in the history of the tournament with five IPL titles next to their name.

Despite history being kind, the present has manifested itself in the most austere incarnation for the Mumbai Indians as they have slumped down in the three opening encounters and they will need to pick their brains harder than ever as they look forward to making amends against the Royal Challengers.

RCB will be buoyed by the return of Glenn Maxwell as the Australian will be available for selection in the forthcoming contest. It is needless to say that the highest run-scorer for RCB in the previous edition of the tournament will bolster their top four.

Mumbai Indians have been pretty decent with the bat but their bowling has let them down so far in the season - the latest blow being dealt by KKR who through the incredible hitting of Pat Cummins chased down 162 in just 16 overs. 

This will be an electrifying contest as two titanic teams with varied strengths will be hoping to promote one’s individual cause. The Challengers can storm into the top three if they manage to secure a win while for Mumbai, it is more of a case for survival on a rambunctious Saturday night encounter.

Venue watch:

The Pune track has so far been conducive to the batters and one could expect Saturday's clash to be a run-fest with some massive names in the hut. The surface could assist the spinners to a certain extent but the unrivalled sway that the batters will relish is simply overwhelming.

Battles to watch out for:

Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Two of India’s finest cricketers and the best of friends will be turning foes momentarily as the Blues cross swords with the Challengers. Both of them have struggled so far but the kind of caliber that they bring to the table is simply too staggering to be refuted. The numbers backing these two are equally impressive which makes them the best in the business.

Faf du Plessis vs Ishan Kishan: The RCB captain got off to a fine start against the Royals but lost his plot midway as former RCB leggie, Chahal claimed him with a slower delivery. However, in his sojourn in the middle, he belted out a handful of fiery strokes that insinuated the kind of menace that he brings along with himself. Ishan Kishan was Mumbai’s most expensive player bought in the auction and has so far been in fine touch. A lot will rely on his shoulders for the Mumbai Indians to get things back on track.

Harshal Patel vs Jasprit Bumrah: Last year’s Purple Cap winner, Harshal has already conjured a couple of excellent displays that has seen him wringing out almost incredulous bowling figures. Bumrah is still to hit his stride in the ongoing tournament but as history will have it, the ace Indian quick houses the ability to change the complexion of the game in a trice.

Squads:

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudesai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma, David Willey, Luvnith Sisodia, Siddharth Kaul.

Mumbai Indians:

Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Ramandeep Singh, Rahul Buddhi, Hrithik Shokeen, Arjun Tendulkar, Aryan Juyal, Fabian Allen, Dewald Brevis, Basil Thampi, M Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, Tilak Varma, Sanjay Yadav, Riley Meredith, Mohd Arshad Khan, Anmolpreet Singh

Match details:

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Date: 9th April 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST