IPL 2019: 3 key players for RCB against MI

Probably the most awaited clash of IPL 2019 so far, the RCB vs MI match will take place in the former's home stadium on Thursday. More than anything, it is going to be a clash between the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma.

Kohli would want to put all questions about his captaincy to rest and register an emphatic win for his team. The track is a flat one with a tinge of green, and it should be a run fest with very little assistance for the bowlers. The bowlers will have to be spot on with their line and length as the short boundaries will ensure that missed yorkers go for sixes.

RCB had a poor outing in their opening encounter against CSK. They were bundled out for a score of just 70 against the yellow army, which they naturally failed to defend. Their reliance on the top order has been one of the biggest problems for them and Kohli will expect the lower order batsmen to step up and perform.

On that note, here are three players who hold the key for RCB against Mumbai (apart from the obvious, that is Virat Kohli):

1. AB de Villiers

One of the finest T20 players in the world who can tonk any bowler out of the park, this man will hold the key to RCB's batting in their game against MI. AB de Villiers has a good record against MI; in fact, his highest T20 score also came against the same team, when he scored a stunning unbeaten 133 in 2015.

De Villiers has impressive numbers against practically all of MI's bowlers, and the biggest advantage that he has is that the match is being held in the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The batting friendly nature of the pitch here would make it easier for ABD to score, plus he is also very familiar with the conditions.

De Villiers comes in at No. 3 or 4, which are two of the most important positions in any format of the game. The whole middle order will revolve around De Villiers, and he will be looking forward to making a huge score in the game.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on IPL 2019 schedule, news, points table, live scores, orange cap, purple cap and fantasy tips.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal will be playing against his debut IPL team. If there is one team he does not have a good record against in the IPL, it is the Mumbai Indians, and he will surely be looking to change it this year.

Chahal has had an excellent start to this year's IPL, giving away just six runs in his four overs in the encounter against Chennai while also picking up the important wicket of Shane Watson. He has not had a lot of international games recently and will be in a fresh frame of mind and eager to perform for his skipper Virat Kohli.

Chahal's battle against the likes of the hard hitting Pandya brothers will be one of the most interesting ones in the game. And unlike 2018, he would like to pick up at least a couple of wickets against MI and create an impact on the match.

Chahal usually bowls an over or two in the powerplay and if he can sniff out a wicket or two then, it will create a lot of pressure on the batting team.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on IPL points table 2019, schedule, news, live scores, orange cap, purple cap and fantasy tips.

3. Moeen Ali

Playing Moeen Ali at No.3 allows other batsmen to play freely

Four quality overs and a lot of stability in the batting order - that is what Moeen Ali can provide to this team. Coming in at No. 3, he is supposed to give an explosive start to the team while the likes of Kohli, De Villiers or Shimron Hetmyer build the innings.

Ali has the power and the shots to hit the ball all around the park, and his big hitting will be very much required if RCB want to get a big total.

He also contributes a lot with his bowling. He gave away just 19 runs with a wicket in the previous match, and his flat bowling with a lot of variations makes it hard for the batsmen to hit.

Ali's sliders and cutters are difficult to read, and the fact that regularly chips in with wickets makes him a very valuable player. It will be important for him to perform today as he strengthens the middle order and is the lone spinner apart from Yuzvendra Chahal.

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