IPL 2022, Match 18, MI vs RCB Preview: Can Mumbai end their three-match losing streak?

IPL 2022: Mumbai Indians (MI) would look to register their first win in IPL 2022 when they face the high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Saturday at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

IPL 2022: BCCI observes a sharp decline in IPL viewership as compared to 2021

The IPL 2022 edition has been a nightmare for 5-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. Having lost the 3 previous matches, Mumbai would look to win their first against Bangalore. Skipper Rohit’s form is concerning the team as he has scored only 54 runs in three matches. However, the presence of Suryakumar and Tilak Verma would give relief to the squad as the two have been playing their best. In the last match Suryakumar scored 52 while his teammate Tilak scored 38 not out. With Jasprit Bumrah and spin-bowler Murugan Ashwin, MI bowling unit looks good but other bowlers haven’t been economically well.

Also read: IPL 2022: 'Was hung from the balcony': Yuzvendra Chahal's shocking story

Having lost their first high scoring match against PBKS, RCB have bounced back and have won back-to-back matches defeating RR and KKR. Opener Faf du Plessis has been looking good and scored 88 off 57 in the first game against PBKS and 29 0ff 20 in previous game. However, Anuj Rawat’s form has been a bit of concern for RCB. Having played 41 off 29 in the first game, Virat Kohli lost his form in the last two matches, scoring 12 and 5 runs respectively. But the form of Kohli hasn’t been a concern as RCB has found a positive in form of Dinesh Karthik. Karthik has been brilliant at batting so far. He is not out in three matches and has been playing the role of perfect finisher for RCB. Shahbaz Ahmed has been supporting Karthik quite well as the duo scored 67 off 32 balls in a partnership vs Rajasthan Royals. Talking about the bowling unit, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Deep and Mohammad Siraj have been impressive but Akash Deep’s economy is a bit concerning for RCB.

MI vs RCB Head-to-Head Record

In the 29 meetings between these two heavyweights of IPL, Mumbai Indians have dominated with 17 wins while Royal Challengers Bangalore have registered 12 victories.

MI vs RCB Playing XI prediction

Mumbai Indians (MI) Playing XI (probable):

Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK) Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, M Ashwin, Tymal Mills, Jasprit Bumrah, Basil Thampi.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Playing XI (probable):
Faf du Plessis (C), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj

MI vs RCB Match timings

MI vs RCB live match will begin at 7:30 pm IST while the toss will take place 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.

MI vs RCB Match Live Telecast details:

The Match will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports 3 HD.

The online streaming of the IPL 2022 match will be available on Hotstar.

MI vs RCB live Streaming match will begin at 7:30 pm IST while the toss will take place 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play.

Get all the IPL 2022 Live Updates here!