IPL 2019: 2 Changes RCB might make to their playing XI for the match against MI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Saturday started their IPL 2019 season on a horrible note, succumbing to a big defeat against defending champions Chennai Super Kings.

The batting heavyweight side could only make 70 runs in the first innings, as none of the batsmen showed any resistance at the crease. The Chepauk track was quite slow and spin-friendly, allowing the Chennai spinners to dominate the mighty RCB batting line-up.

Experienced campaigner Harbhajan Singh and South African leggie Imran Tahir shared six wickets amongst them, gifting the MS Dhoni-led team an easy seven-wicket win.

RCB will now rekindle their rivalry against Mumbai Indians in the next match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on March 28. Having produced an underwhelming show in the first match, the Virat Kohli-led side might make a couple of changes in their playing XI against Mumbai.

In this piece, we look at the two most widely expected changes:

---

#1 Tim Southee in place of Navdeep Saini

Tim Southee

Navdeep Saini, who made his debut for RCB in the first match, had an average outing, giving away 24 runs in his spell of four overs. Now the side might bring in the experienced Tim Southee for the match against Mumbai Indians.

The track at Chinnaswamy usually remains flat and Saini could go for plenty, especially with Mumbai having a strong batting line-up.

Moreover, Southee is well suited for Chinnaswamy kind of grounds as he bowls quick and can get a few early scalps with the new ball. Additionally, he can take the pace off the ball in the death overs as well.

#2 Washington Sundar in for Moeen Ali

Washington Sundar

Moeen Ali didn't particularly sparkle in his outing against Chennai Super Kings in the first match of IPL 2019, especially not with the bat. He was sent in at the number three slot but could only make 9 runs in 8 balls before getting caught and bowled by Harbhajan Singh.

He bowled relatively better, giving away 19 runs and taking a wicket in his 4 overs, but that may not be enough to retain his place in the side.

Somebody like Washington Sundar can be a better choice on a track like the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He bowls with the new ball and is a handy customer down the order with the bat as well.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on IPL schedule, news, points table, live scores, orange cap, purple cap and fantasy tips.