The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season sees match number 39 being played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After a strong start in the first phase, RCB have been outplayed twice since IPL’s resumption in UAE. They were thrashed by KKR and CSK respectively. RCB are placed third with 10 points from nine games. MI too suffered setbacks against CSK and KKR and slipped to sixth. They have eight points from nine games.
Going into this match, RCB need to sort their middle-order. Runs haven’t come and there are plenty of problems surrounding the batters. With Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli doing well upfront, the middle-order hasn’t continued the work. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell look out of form and need to change their approach. With the ball, Navdeep Saini is a worry. He needs to be offloaded and RCB have to find the right balance.
Like RCB, MI too have holes in the middle order and need better application and purpose. One needs to see senior players take charge and bring some solidity here. MI are a strong outfit but have to stitch in overall performance by everyone alike. Jasprit Bumrah has been good with the ball but the rest of the side needs to chip in. They have to contain the flow of runs. With RCB’s batting a weak link, MI will target a comeback.
Here we present all the concerned details to guide you through.
Key details of the match
The match is set to be held at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. It’s scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network in their preferred languages. One can also stream the match live on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Here’s the preview
RCB suffered a collapse with the bat against KKR and then threw away the momentum gained against CSK. RCB will aim to come hard at MI and step up. They played a good brand of cricket in the first phase back in India and that’s the type of performance the side will need. Bowling wise, RCB need wickets, however, their batting lacks the desired punch. It’s a big game for Kohli to lead his side from the front and play a match-winning knock. However, he should look to bat till the end and be RCB’s anchorman. Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel hold importance with the ball for the RCB outfit. What RCB also needs is to better the NRR.
MI need to get the confidence back after a decent job in the first phase, besides playing a strong brand of cricket. Their last two performances have been below par. MI have champion performers everywhere in the side and can change the momentum of games anytime during a match. They will be eyeing the perfect game against RCB and Rohit Sharma’s contributions alongside Quinton de Kock will be significant. Meanwhile, Adam Milne will continue to support Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. The pace unit with these three can trouble RCB. Suryakumar Yadav needs to find some runs and help his side. The same goes for Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard.
Probable playing XIs: RCB vs MI
RCB probable playing XI:
Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Srikar Bharat (wk), AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dushmantha Chameera
MI probable playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Dream11 team prediction (option 1)
Batsmen: Quinton de Kock (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard
All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Hasaranga
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal
Dream11 team prediction (option 2)
Batsmen: Quinton de Kock (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Glenn Maxwell
All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Hasaranga
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj
Which players can be the top picks in the Dream11 team?
In batting, the likes of Padikkal and De Kock fit both teams. Padikkal has been in top form and is scoring a lot. The IPL 2021 has gone well for Padikkal, who has already chipped in consistently. De Kock is MI’s leading customer with the bat and deserves a go,
Krunal is the main all-rounder that can be picked. He will be crucial with his abilities.
In the bowling department, Harshal can be picked. He is bowling well and holds the card for RCB. Bumrah is amongst the wickets and can be lethal at the death.
Dream11 fantasy: Captain choices
Devdutt Padikkal: With 287 runs, Padikkal has taken his game to a higher level. He has been producing substantial knocks and is playing with freedom. His shot-making abilities and character to play long will be vital.
Rohit Sharma: The senior MI batsman can turn the heat on and make his presence felt. Rohit will be aiming to make things count after a decent show against KKR. If MI are to do well and go ahead, Roht’s contributions will be immense. He has 283 runs this season.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
In terms of vice-captaincy, De Kock is a sound option. He can get MI to a positive start and after a good show versus KKR, his confidence will be high. Kohli got a fifty against CSK and he can be amongst the runs once again.
Other choices: Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah.
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch in Dubai is expected to be sluggish as the game progresses. Pacers will have the fizz early on and as seen in the tourney so far, bowling in good areas will get the pacers wickets. As the match progresses, things get a bit slow. For batsmen, the application will be key. Spinners will be in the game as well. Another hot evening is in store with humidity.
What happened in the previous meeting between the two?
In the previous meeting this season, the match was won by RCB. They sealed a two-wicket victory.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other on 28 occasions. MI have won 17 times, RCB have pocketed 11 wins.
Match prediction
With both sides coming from successive defeats, the confidence will be low. We feel MI can get past the line here because of a better-balanced team.