IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians' strongest predicted playing XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 25

Match 25 of the IPL 2024 will feature a blockbuster clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The two power-packed units are scheduled to clash at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 11. Both the teams did not get the desired start in the tournament, winning only one match and sitting in the bottom half of the points table.

The home side suffered three consecutive defeats, but finally managed to get off the mark with a 29-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC). On the other hand, RCB's lone win came against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their second match and they are now coming on the back of three defeats on the trot. Both are desperate for a win to get two valuable points in their kitty before things get out of hand.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Historically MI have been a slow starter on most occasions in the IPL cricket carnival and they will be buoyed by the last win. Former skipper Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan gave their side a blazing start in the last encounter, though fail to capitalize on it ahead. Interestingly enough, Romario Shepherd's quick-fire knock in the last over against DC is a big plus for them. Jasprit Bumrah maintains his reputation as one of the best bowlers in the world and is well-supported by Gerald Coetzee. Will the five-time champions stick with their winning combination or make some changes?

Here is the probable playing XI for Mumbai Indians against RCB in IPL 2024, Match 25 -

Openers: Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma 

Mumbai Indians have an aggressive left-right combination in the top order. Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma may not have scored big so far this season, but they have given a fiery start, which is what exactly needed in a T20 innings. The 'Hitman' has scored two 40+ scores in the last four matches and all his innings have been at a good strike rate. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

Rohit Sharma fell short of just 1 run to complete his half-century in the match against DC, but that provided MI a strong powerplay. Ishan Kishan's story is no different from that of his opening partner. MI will hope that the duo capitalise on their start and form big partnerships in the upcoming matches.

Middle-order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David

Suryakumar Yadav is currently the world’s best T20 batter and one of the most reliable players in the MI line-up over the years. Suryakumar missed the first three matches due to injury and returned in the match against DC but failed to open his account. Suryakumar, who has a good record against RCB, will aim to show off his batting prowess in the upcoming match. 

One of the promising youngsters in the Indian cricket circuit, Tilak Varma has been a consistent performer for MI over the past couple of years. Being a left-hander, Varma brings much-needed stability to MI's middle order. Tim David has been inconsistent so far this season, but in the last match, the Australian cricketer showcased his power-hitting skills, scoring 45 runs at a strike rate of 214. MI will rely on him to give them a strong finish in the death overs.

Also Check: MI vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (c), Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd

New MI skipper Hardik Pandya is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in IPL history. The MI captain managed to add some runs while batting in the middle order, but on closer inspection, his strike rate is a major concern for the team. Hardik doesn't have the fire in the batting like before. 

Mohammad Nabi played his first match of the season against DC. The Afghanistan all-rounder is an experienced campaigner and will be a huge asset to the franchise as the tournament progresses. Romario Shepard became the hero of MI's last win on the basis of an over. The Caribbean all-rounder scored an unbeaten 39 off just 10 balls, recording the highest strike rate by a batter in an Innings (Min 10 balls faced).

Also Check: MI vs RCB MPL Opinio Prediction: Who will win?

Bowlers: Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee

Piyush Chawla will lead MI’s spin attack. The veteran leg-spinner is the third-highest wicket-taker in league history (181 scalps) and will use all his experience to help MI enjoy another successful campaign. Chawla, who has not been at his best so far this season, is aiming to step up in the upcoming match. He will have assistance from Nabi in the middle-overs. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

Jasprit Bumrah is MI's trump card and the leader of their pace department. Bumrah's presence in the team is a boon for any captain and for the same reason, he is Hardik's got-to-bowler in crunch moments. His quota of four overs could decide the fate of MI's game. Gerald Coetzee is the second pacer in the team and the Proteas fast bowler has been in good form this season.

IPL 2024: MI's Probable Playing XI against RCB, Match 25

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah.

Impact Substitute: Akash Madhwal