Virat Kohli, the best batsman of ODI cricket, and bowler Jasprit Bumrah will keep their eyes on the interesting match between the two when they meet face to face in the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians on Thursday. Bumrah is ready to show his strength by recovering from the anxiety created by injury and in his presence, the Mumbai team will try to take advantage of Bangalore’s weaknesses and register a win. Bumrah’s shoulder injury had become a concern for Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai, but he has been fit at the right time.
Both these teams are desperate to register their first win in IPL and in such a situation, Kohli and Rohit will have a lot of responsibility in batting. Both of them failed in their teams’ opening matches.
The Mumbai team is also strengthened by the availability of Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Cricket had allowed Malinga to play in the IPL on Tuesday. He was scheduled to play in the limited-overs domestic tournament before the World Cup in April, which initially seemed like he would not be able to play in the initial stages of the IPL.
Sri Lanka cricket, however, changed their attitude, as this bowler will get a chance to bowl the best batsmen in the IPL. Mumbai is also relieved by Bumrah’s fit. He was injured while fielding against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday.
All eyes will also be on Yuvraj Singh. The 37-year-old batsman scored a half-century against Delhi. Mumbai fast bowler Mitchell McLennagan will face a tough test in front of Kohli, AB de Villiers and Shimron Hetmyer.
Bangalore would like their batsmen to score big, as their team was piled on for 70 runs in 17.1 overs in the last match against Chennai Super Kings. In bowling, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will again play an important role for Bangalore but will need support from other bowlers.
