Olimp3kSignUp jan19Couch Critic looks at Thursday’s action in the IPL as the Royal Challengers Bangalore host the Mumbai Indians.

 

 

 

RCB vs MUMBAI INDIANS (Thursday, 28 March)

Setting the Scene: The big boys with millions of fans face off at the Chinnaswamy. Both these big teams have more often disappointed than delighted their army of fans in recent times. Despite it still being very early in the competition a second straight loss will have fans fearing another year of sorry brewing.

 

Let’s Talk Tactics: RCB have often struggled settling into a well-balanced effective combination on the park despite having star players on their roster. Moheen Ali and De Grandhomme weren’t even called on to bowl a single delivery against CSK so perhaps a good look at the line-up is required. Mumbai rely on Indian big wigs Rohit, Hardik Pandya and Bumrah to carry the load. (In this regard the potential injury to Bumrah’s shoulder will be a concern). Quinton de Kock is without doubt their biggest international import and they need him to get them off to a cracker of a start with the bat. With the ball they surely need to bring in Markande to add something different to their attack.

 

Verdict: Two camps that just can’t seem to get things grooving on the lawn. RCB could only muster a meagre 70 in their opener and one struggles to see how they can turn this around into a big, free flowing total in the space of a few days. There are just too many questions around this RCB team with both bat and ball to back them in any way despite someone like AB or Kohli always being capable of playing a match winning innings.

 

Bets with BETOLIMP:

 

Mumbai to win the game @ 1.89

Man of the Match – De Kock @ 15.00

Top RCB Bowler – Chahal @ 3.90

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)