IPL 2019: Royal Challengers Bangalore's strongest XI against Mumbai Indians

The RCB vs MI rivalry will be rekindled on March 28 2019, at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Both these teams lost their first matches - MI lost to DC, while RCB lost to CSK.

There were some surprising picks from Virat Kohli against CSK. He didn't pick Washington Sundar when the wicket clearly assisted spin, and his decision to play Colin de Grandhomme over Tim Southee was also questionable. Southee was brilliant for RCB last year, especially at the death.

Kohli will have to make quite a few changes against MI. RCB went for batting depth over quality of bowling, the same mistake that MI made in their opening fixture. RCB need five quality bowlers to bowl 20 overs; they have enough strength in their batting unit to hurt anyone.

So without further ado, let us have a look at the strongest possible XI for RCB against MI.

---

#1. Top order

The top order might be tweaked a little

RCB are expected to go to the same opening combination. The onus will be on the duo of Kohli and Parthiv Patel to provide a good start.

Patel is a veteran in the IPL and has the ability to give quick starts to his team. He was RCB's highest scorer against CSK.

Kohli, like every other RCB batsman, failed to score big against CSK. He will be looking to correct that against MI, and the Chinnaswamy wicket always seems to assist batsmen.

Kohli simply has to come good as a lot rests on his shoulders from RCB's batting point of view.

In at number 3 will be AB de Villiers. De Villiers admitted that he didn't apply himself well enough on a tough pitch at Chennai. The RCB great has to find form quickly as he is absolutely vital to RCB's chances of winning their first ever IPL.

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

#2. Middle order

Moeen Ali needs to bat a bit deeper

In at number 4 will be Shimron Hetmyer. The West Indian did not have a good start to his IPL career as he was run out for a duck against CSK. He will love to play on the Chinaswamy wicket at Bangalore and will be looking forward to the game against MI.

At number 5 will be Moeen Ali. The Englishman batted at number 3 against CSK, but I think he would be much more useful down the order as he plays spin bowling very well which will be very helpful in the middle overs against MI.

In at number 6 will be Shivam Dube. Dube has had a brilliant domestic year in the Ranji Trophy, but he had a horrendous IPL debut. He will be looking to get that right as he has all the potential to do so.

At number 7 will be Washington Sundar. Sundar didn't play against CSK when he clearly should have, as it was a very slow pitch that was assisting the spinners. Sundar is a brilliant option to bowl in the powerplay overs and he should be picked against MI as he can also bat during the slog overs.

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

#3. Lower order

Chahal is RCB'S game changer

In at number 8 will be Tim Southee. The New Zealander was brilliant for RCB last year, with his death bowling being a revelation. He didn't play against CSK, but he should be picked for this one as he adds balance to the RCB bowling attack. Southee can also bat and has the ability to hit the ball long and hard.

At number 9 will be Navdeep Saini. Saini had a good debut against CSK; the young fast bowler bowled very quick and hit the pitch hard. He will be looking to knock over MI's batsmen on Thursday.

In at number 10 will be Umesh Yadav. Yadav hasn't had a brilliant year in coloured clothing for India, but he was excellent with the new ball for RCB last year. Kohli didn't use him with the new ball when he clearly should have as Yadav; this mistake should be made right against MI.

At number 11 will be Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal is the leader of this bowling attack and he has been RCB's best bowler for years now. He looked in good rhythm against CSK and he will be looking to continue his good form against MI.

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