IPL 2018: Expected changes for Mumbai Indians & Royal Challengers Bangalore  

The defending champions Mumbai Indians take on the much-fancied Royal Challengers Bangalore led by the charismatic Indian skipper, Virat Kohli at the Wankhede stadium. This will be the fourth game for both the sides. Royal Challengers who have won one game in their three matches so far, hold the upper hand in this cracking fixture. Mumbai who are yet to register a win after losing three consecutive games will be hoping for a turnaround at their home-ground.

Traditionally, they have been the slow starters but one cannot write off teams like Mumbai as they have finished the seasons on a high in the past. Both these sides are desperate for a win, so expect fireworks when they meet at the Wankhede on Tuesday evening. Let us now look at the changes the two teams might make for this match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Corey Anderson instead of Brendon McCullum

Corey Anderson

The Kiwi wicket-keeper batsman's RCB stint was highly-anticipated by the fans, as this is where he started off the IPL on a resounding note ten summers ago, with his magnificent 158(73) playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders. McCullum was bought by the Royal Challengers for INR 3.2 crore at this year's auctions. The swash-buckling opener played all three games so far, for the Virat Kohli-led side. But he could not live up to the expectations of the franchise and the fans, as he managed to score just 47 runs in three innings. He could not provide the resounding start which the RCB needed at the top.

He was finding it difficult to the clear the boundary and score quick runs after coming in as an opener. Failure to score big on three occasions might keep him out of the eleven against Mumbai and his compatriot Corey Anderson might well make his RCB debut. Anderson, who was roped in as a replacement to the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile might render the lower middle order the much-needed fire-power and also bowl some useful spells. The RCB bowling has not been impressive this season hence the inclusion of Anderson might be a big advantage for them in both the departments. Anderson, a former Mumbai Indians player might fancy his chance today at the Wankhede stadium.

Mumbai Indians: Mitchell McClenaghan instead of Akila Dananjaya

Mitchell McClenaghan

Akila Dananjaya, the Sri Lankan spinner who played his first game for Mumbai against Delhi on April 14, had a forgettable debut in the Blue jersey. In the four overs he bowled, Dananjaya gave 47 runs and failed to take a wicket. Given the batting prowess of the RCB and his poor outing in the last game against Delhi, he might have to give way to the left-arm pacer, Mitchell McClenaghan.

The Kiwi has been an integral part of the Mumbai squad that won the titles in 2015 and 2017 and has been skipper Rohit's go-to bowler in the past three editions. McClenaghan played the season opener against Chennai but had a poor putting giving away 44 runs and picking up a solitary wicket. A lot will be expected from the New Zealander when Mumbai takes on the strong Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic Wankhede stadium on Tuesday.