IPL 2022: Match 18 – Predicted Mumbai Indians Playing XI vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

The five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are finding their way to get back into the game but they’re yet to open their account in the tournament. It will be an arduous task for MI as they face the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 18th game of IPL 2022, scheduled on April 9 in Pune. MI are yet to regain their original form as they somehow find a weak link in the team in every match.

While Suryakumar Yadav returned to the side with a well-composed half-century in his comeback game, the other batters need to work hard to help MI post a formidable score. Dewald Brevis, fondly known as Baby AB, also played some sensational shots in his debut. MI will have to make some amends in the lower order and bring in consistent and dependable bowlers to the side, who can keep the asking rate in check and bowl economically, instead of conceding runs.

Here’s the predicted Playing XI of Mumbai Indians for Match 18 of IPL 2022:

Openers: Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma

Ishan Kishan has to be consistent and should not lose confidence after the three defeats. He has proved to be one of the most important players for the team and will have to lead the batting order by posting big runs in the initial overs, before handing over the reins to the middle-order.

Rohit Sharma is under a lot of pressure right now. He has led the team to victory many times, but after the three losses, the frustration level would be high. He’ll have to maintain his calm in the game, and work on his batting a bit. He has scored only 13 runs in the previous two games and will have to work on getting his form back.

Middle-order: Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma

Dewald Brevis was fantastic in his opening game. Though his term lasted only for 19 balls, the boundaries that he hit in the game gave MI the hope that the boy could go long in the game. He even played a brilliant no-look shot to send the ball over the fence against KKR.

Suryakumar Yadav made his return to the side after recovering from an injury and scored a 36-ball 52 against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He made a mark in his comeback game and is expected to deliver consistently in the upcoming clashes as well.

Tilak Varma has been one of the finds for the Mumbai Indians in this season of the IPL. The young chap has been performing consistently since the day he made his way into the MI camp and his sense of playing the important shots will help his team put up big scores.

All-rounders: Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen

Kieron Pollard smashed a five-ball 22 in the previous game against KKR to take his team to a defendable total. He played his duty as the finisher that he’s known for, and proved why he was retained by the side.

Another West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen, can help Pollard in the game, at the lower middle-order with his power-hitting skills. The Caribbean players are known for their skills with the bat and the ball, and Allen can stand up to that.

Bowlers: Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat

Murugan Ashwin’s first game was a solid confidence booster for him. In his recent outing, he conceded 25 runs off just three overs but managed to pick two wickets. Although the leg-spinner is a genuine wicket-taker, his tendency to leak runs can hamper MI. Hence, he must be more consistent.

Bumrah remains to be an integral part of the team. He hasn’t been successful in picking wickets this season barring the game against Rajasthan Royals. Things might fall in place if the speed merchant unleashes his A-game against RCB and rattle their batting order.

Tymal Mills has somewhat been good with the ball. He picked up three wickets against Rajasthan Royals, followed by two wickets against KKR. But apart from bagging wickets, he will have to work more on his bowling, allowing no batter to make runs off his deliveries.

Jaydev Unadkat needs to get into the bowling attack. He can provide the important wickets in the final overs, and break the partnerships in making. He has represented multiple franchises at the IPL and will bring in a lot of experience in the bowling lineup. Unadkat is likely to replace Basil Thampi, who has been guilty of leaking runs consistently.

Mumbai Indians Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Jaydev Unadkat.