IPL match preview: Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Mumbai will go into this match in the wake of heavy defeat at the hands of the Chennai Super Kings, while Bangalore will have been challenged by the Delhi Capitals. It's now MI versus RCB in an staunch rivalry that started back in 2008.

Rohit Sharma against Virat Kohli always makes for an interesting battle, both in the tactical and batting departments. It will be interesting to see if Sharma opens the batting this time or comes in a third position again. Kohli will probably open alongside Faf du Plessis again.

It's no secret that Bangalore rely too much on Kohli, du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell for the bulk of the runs. They have brought Kedar Jadhav into the squad. He could help the batting resources step up around the big three.

The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium - home to Mumbai. The venue has served up a couple of 200-plus first-innings scores this season. Regardless, the team who bat second usually wins here. Expect the toss-winning captain to bowl first.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have beaten the Mumbai Indians in all of their last four meetings. The last time Mumbai beat Bangalore was in 2020.

Ishan Kishan remains a major asset with the bat for Mumbai. He has scored a double-century in ODI cricket and could really take a liking to the Bangalore bowling attack in batting-friendly conditions.

RCB seamer Mohammed Siraj is one of the best swing bowlers on display in the 2023 IPL. His lateral movement through the air and off the pitch has got the better of many right-handers this season.

Bangalore are looking in a strong position to beat Mumbai here, especially as the five-time IPL champions will be smarting from recent defeat to CSK.