2021 IPL – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians taking place? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians will take place on Sunday 26th September, 2021 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians taking place? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai
What is the expected weather for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians? 32-34c with sunshine fading into clear skies.
Where can I get tickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians? Check each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians on in the UK? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
- A poor middle order batting performance from Royal Challengers Bangalore saw them fail to take advantage of the platform built by their openers against Chennai Super Kings last time out, as they could only score 156 which was chased down in 18.1 overs, subjecting RCB to their second successive defeat this month.
- After failing to take a wicket against Chennai with the ball and being dismissed for 0 with the bat against Mumbai Indians, Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga could drop out of the side for this one, with Rajit Patidar a contender to come into the starting line-up.
MUMBAI INDIANS
- Mumbai Indians find themselves locked on eight points with three other teams following a second straight IPL defeat, this time at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders that saw their below par score of 155 chased down by KKR in 15.1 overs with just three wickets lost.
- Indian international all-rounder Hardik Pandya has missed both their two games in the IPL’s second phase so far due to injury and a decision is likely to be made very late on as to whether he is fit to play in this one.
THE PREDICTION
Plenty of pressure rests on both of these two teams when taking into account the nightmare start each have had to the second phase of the IPL. The big worry for Royal Challengers Bangalore is their batting depth, which was exposed against Chennai once the top order had been dismissed. RCB are too reliant on both their openers and AB de Villiers for runs and this could be exploited by Mumbai Indians’ high class bowling attack. One must wonder the effect Virat Kohli announcing his resignation as RCB captain following the 2021 IPL has had on the team from a mental perspective, but ultimately the upheaval caused by the withdrawal and replacement of overseas players has also proven costly for them. Mumbai Indians are hardly pulling up trees currently, but they do look a more settled side and if Hardik recovers in time to play, then Rohit Sharma’s men should get back to winning ways.
