IPL 2016: Fantasy Championship guide RCB v MI

Adam Zampa after waking up yesterday morning would have been busy figuring out a way to stop three of the cleanest striking left-handed batsmen in the world in David Warner, Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh. Not even in his wildest dreams would he have thought about recording the second best figures in the IPL by taking 6 wickets and the best by an Australian. It’s funny how success comes to you when you least expect it.

Zampa’s extraordinary feat with the ball ensured that SRH were restricted to just 137 with the bat and on a pitch that partially assisted the bowlers, RPS would have backed themselves to knock the runs down.

But the pace quadruple of SRH had other ideas. Bhuvi struck early and bowled miserly, Sran hurried the batsmen in the middle overs, ‘Fizz’ choked up the runs at the death and Nehra held his nerve against Dhoni in the last over.

SRH would be delighted that despite Warner’s failure they could rack up a win and this would go a long way in instilling confidence amongst all their players. Also, Mustafizur went wicketless. This game seems to have prepared them for the worst.

Supergiants just haven’t clicked. The injury problems upset their balance and the new recruits haven’t done much in the 3 chances they have got. While Dhoni has reprimanded the bowling for their poor show, I think it has more to do with the failures of their middle order. Not once have they really pushed on to put up a mighty score on the board. They need to try out new combinations and think things over for the next season.

Let’s get to business now!

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians

Transfer out: Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia

Transfer in: Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya (uncapped)

Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Shane Watson, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Keiron Pollard and the Chinnaswamy; it all makes for a perfect night of entertainment.

The Mumbai Indians were completely floored by the prowess of the SRH bowling lineup but they can be rest assured that the RCB bowling lineup won’t play any such tricks on them tomorrow.

RCB are coming off a brilliant one run victory against the Kings XI and with AB finding form, they should feel comfortable about their batting unit. The bowling has to find some inspiration from somewhere, anywhere.

Now, I already have Virat Kohli, ABD, Shane Watson, Yuzi Chahal and Rohit Sharma in my team for this game.

With the big 3 in my team, I don’t think I need any other players from RCB.

KL Rahul has been brilliant for them, but against a good bowling attack, I wouldn’t want to bank on him.

Now, Mumbai play two games in three days and that forces me to look beyond just having Rohit Sharma. With ABD, Watson, Warner and Mustafizur as my 4 overseas players (and with SRH playing their next game tomorrow), I can’t bring in any overseas player from Mumbai into my team for tomorrow’s game.

But if you can, do get in Mitchell McCleneghan as he could come real handy against Kings XI Punjab on Friday.

For me, it is going to be about making a choice between Ambati Rayudu and Jasprit Bumrah. With Suresh Raina almost certain to not play the next Gujarat Lions game, I transfer him out and bring in either of these two.

While Rayudu has been in good form for the Mumbai Indians, I have never considered him to be a match winner, while Bumrah has proved his worth as one. And that is the reason I opt for Bumrah over Rayudu. Also, Bumrah is a safer option, as he’ll be getting 48 balls to prove his worth while Rayudu could perish within the space of 2.

For the uncapped player, I go in with Krunal Pandya. He dismissed both AB and Kohli the last time these two sides met and he has cemented his place at the number 4 spot for the Mumbai Indians. On a small ground, his big hitting skills could come in very handy and that is why I pick him over Iqbal Abdullah

Batting Captain: AB de Villiers (if RCB bat first)/ Virat Kohli (if RCB bat second)

Bowling Captain: Jasprit Bumrah (if MI bowl first)/ Shane Watson (if RCB bowl first)

RCB v MI preview – IPL 9, Match 41 Preview: MI, RCB lock horns in a crucial tie