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

Cricket fans will not be surprised to see Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) run so far in the ongoing IPL 2024. It was familiar woes for the franchise, which slipped to its fourth loss of the season and placed ninth in the points table with just one win. They will be up against Mumbai Indians (MI), who are experiencing similar fortunes, at the Wankhede Stadium, on Thursday, April 11. 

RCB are coming on the back of a three-match losing streak while MI will be confident after winning their last match against Delhi Capitals (DC) by 29 runs. Wankhede is MI's stronghold and the head-to-head record between the two teams suggests that the hosts are the favourite to win the game. RCB have a lot of issues to address if they are aiming for a slot in the last four.

Their bowling has always been a concern over the years and there is no twist this time either. However, on closer inspection, their batting department also shows worrying signs. Among the much-hyped 'KGF', only Virat Kohli has lived up to expectations. And, without much pride, they have to admit that 38-year-old finisher Dinesh Karthik is their second-best batter this season. RCB need to make some significant changes in their line-up to get back on the winning track.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Here is the probable playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against MI in IPL 2024, Match 25 -

Openers: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c)

Having scored 316 runs from five matches at an average of 105.33 and a strike rate of 146.30, Virat Kohli is currently the holder of Orange Cap. Kohli was able to get off to a quick start in the powerplay and then build up the innings. However, in the last match, the incredible centurion rarely got support from his partner at the other end.  

Skipper Faf du Plessis has disappointed so far and the captain's form has been a major headache for the team. He got a good start in the last match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) but failed to convert it into a big score. The veteran batter needs to get into the groove soon to lead his team into the playoffs.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

Middle-order: Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Saurav Chauhan

Young Mahipal Lomror has played two matches this season in the role of Impact Player and has made some significant impact, striking at a rate above 200. With Rajat Patidar's poor form, Lomror should get a place in the starting XI, which will also bring a left-hander into their middle order.

Dinesh Karthik's role is finishing and he has done well in the given opportunities. The wicketkeeper batter is currently their third-highest run-scorer with 90 runs. This shows how poorly RCB’s middle order has performed all this while. Sourav Chauhan made his IPL debut in RCB's last match against RR and failed to shine. It is likely that he will get one more chance to prove his mettle.

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

All-rounders: Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell 

There were many calls from RCB fans to field Will Jacks. The English all-rounder has been in tremendous form and the franchise may be forced to bring him in as a replacement for their most expensive player, Cameron Green. The Aussie all-rounder failed to live up to expectations in both departments. 

Jacks has scored 4130 runs in 149 T20 innings with 30 fifties and three centuries. He also took 49 wickets in 66 innings. Glenn Maxwell is also on a lean patch. He scored just 32 runs in five matches and also bagged two ducks. His dismal form is also a major reason why RCB is enduring a tough phase.

Also Check: MI vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Bowlers: Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal 

Mayank Dagar was remarkable in the first match against CSK, conceding just 6 runs in two overs. However, in the next four matches, the left-arm spinner struggled to find form, necessitating his replacement by veteran Karn Sharma. The 36-year-old is an experienced campaigner and has grabbed 70 wickets in 76 matches with the best figures of 4/16. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

Pacer Mohammed Siraj will continue to lead the RCB pace attack that consists of Reece Topley and Yash Dayal. Siraj has picked only four wickets and has conceded too many runs, especially in the death overs. Dayal has been in good form this season and English seamer Topley bowled brilliantly in the last match - 2/27. Wankhede Stadium is a batting-friendly venue and RCB bowlers will have to do their best to get a positive result.

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

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Saurav Chauhan, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

Impact Substitute: Vijaykumar Vyshak