IPL 2021: Predicted starting lineups for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore

The 14th Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence from April 9 at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai. The opening match will see six-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) face off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Challengers are yet to win a single IPL title despite being led by Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The team has consistently had squads that could, on paper, win the tournament and this year is no different. MI skipper Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, is the most successful captain in the history of the IPL. He has made winning the tournament a habit. Ahead of the crunch opening fixture, here is the predicted starting lineups for both sides. 

MUMBAI INDIANS

Rohit Sharma (Captain): The skipper will undoubtedly be part of the starting lineup. Being the skipper, his place in the starting XI is more or less fixed. Impressive batting displays in the recent India vs England series also make a strong case for the hitman. 

Quinton de Kock (WK): The South African wicketkeeper scored 80 of 86 balls in the second ODI against Pakistan. He also has been one of MI’s most consistent players in recent history. 

Ishan Kishan: The young wicketkeeper blasted a magnificent half-century on his international debut in the T20 series against England. He scored 56 of just 32 deliveries in the second game of the series. 

Suruyakumar Yadav: Suryakumar stamped his name on the map with an outstanding 57 of 31 balls against England. It was his debut innings but his composure was that of an experienced t20 batsman.

Lower middle order 

Kieron Pollard: The West Indian was one of MI’s best performers in the previous title-winning season. He has also been a constant in the side and has always stepped up whenever called upon. Recently, he smashed six sixes in an over against Sri Lanka. 

Hardik Pandya: Explosive with the bat, cunning with the ball, and exceptional in the field. Pandya can be described as the perfect all-rounder. Like Pollard, has the ability to single-handedly win games for his side. 

Krunal Pandya: Krunal made his ODI debut for India against England. In his first game, he smashed 58 off 31 balls in the first ODI. His short yet scintillating knocks could be game-changing for Mumbai. 

Bowlers

Rahul Chahar: The wrist-spinner made his debut in the 2020 IPL season. Rahul Chahar is bold and has several tricks to befuddle any batsman. Chepauk’s turning track might prove to be a blessing for Rohit Sharma against the likes of Kohli and de Villiers. 

Nathan Coulter-Nile: The Australian all-rounder brings years of experience to the table. He can provide depth in the team’s batting, be used as an insurance policy should any of Mumbai’s bowlers get smashed around the park. 

Trent Boult: Pace, bounce, and swing. The New Zealand fast bowler brings it all, along with a lot of experience in high-pressure situations. Boult’s composure and skill are crucial weapons against RCB’s destructive batting line-up. 

Jasprit Bumrah: Arguably one of the best fast bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah needs no introduction. He can make any batsman in the world feel helpless with his pace and variations. If he gets into his rhythm, it is a no-brainer for Rohit Sharma. 

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE 

Virat Kohli (Captain): The best batsman in the world is the easiest pick in the RCB squad. Kohli led his side to victory against England recently and played several outstanding knocks across all formats of the game. He has always been a crucial cog in the Bangalore machine. 

AB de Villiers (WK): Mr. 360 is a legend of the game, especially in its shortest format. The South African has given RCB fans some of their more memorable moments, often winning games on their own. When in form, he is almost impossible to get out. If he establishes a partnership with Kohli, god save the opposition. 

Devdutt Padikkal: Making his debut in the IPL last season, Padikkal was the Challengers’ highest run-getter in 2020. He is touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket thanks to his outstanding batting displays in the Vijay Hazare and IPL 2020. Ahead of the T20 world cup, Padikkal will be hoping to impress selectors. 

Lower middle order

Glenn Maxwell: The Australian all-rounder ages like fine wine. His explosive batting style is a deadly weapon in the RCB arsenal. Like de Villiers and Kohli, Maxwell is also a proven match-winner. 

Washington Sundar: Cool, calm, and composed, Washington Sundar carries himself like a veteran of the game. The all-rounder is effective with both bat and ball, and is comfortable batting from almost any position. He had an average of 90 across three test matches against England. 

Daniel Christian: The Australian all-rounder will have a lot of hopes pinned on him for the tournament, especially after his brilliant performance in the Australian Big Bash. 

Bowlers

Kyle Jamieson: New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will be Bangalore’s marquee pace bowler. He has taken a total of 36 wickets since his debut in just six test matches. 

Yuzvendra Chahal: The leg-spinner really came into his own in the 2020 IPL. Chahal took 21 wickets last season and will be aiming for a repeat. He would be instrumental if Bangalore were to restrict the champions to a low score. 

Navdeep Saini: Navdeep Saini’s biggest weapon is his raw pace. He is one of the fastest Indian bowlers in the tournament. Although his pace can backfire, Saini can be an effective weapon at the start of the innings. 

Mohammed Siraj: The fast bowler started brilliantly 13 wickets in 3 Tests in Australia. Siraj has had ups and downs throughout his career. But, he is starting to get the consistency required to play at the highest level. 

Mohammed Azharuddeen: Azaruddeen comes with a hype similar to that of Devdutt Padikkal last season. The 27-year-old scored an unbelievable 137 (not out) off just 54 balls for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. Bangalore will be hoping that he brings his explosive form against the likes of Bumrah and Boult.