IPL 2017 Match 2 – Rising Pune Supergiant Vs Mumbai Indians – RPSG Predicted XI
Jan 19, 2019 at 1:35 PM
This IPL season will be quite an interesting one for the Rising Pune Supergiant. The side remains in the news thanks to the sudden decision taken by the think tank of replacing MS Dhoni with Australian captain Steven Smith for the leadership duties. The decision might not have gone down too well with fans of Dhoni, but being the selfless individual he is, the former Indian captain will always be there for his IPL side.
More than Smith’s captaincy, however, a fascinating aspect of this team would lie in the form of their latest recruit – Ben Stokes. The England all-rounder became IPL’s latest million dollar baby as he was roped in for a whopping amount of Rs. 14.5 crores. Stokes will hold the aces for Pune without second thoughts as his powerful hits in the middle order to go with his death bowling make him a valuable package for any team.
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER:
The last time these teams met in an IPL game, it was highlighted thanks to an absolute masterclass from Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. Chasing a moderate target, Rohit played a flawless knock as his unbeaten 85 off 60 deliveries got the Mumbai Indians past the target at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
Needing 160 to win after a good bowling performance from the bowlers, Mumbai Indians were powered from Sharma’s knock and the middle order supported him quite well. Eventually, Mumbai won with 9 balls to spare.
Recent form this season:
Season opener
Talking Points:
For Pune, Steven Smith’s approach as the captain will be under the microscope right from the very offset. Replacing someone as accomplished as MS Dhoni requires a considerable amount of talent, and if Smith manages to do so successfully, the result is more likely to be in Pune’s favour. Batting surely is Pune’s stronger aspect and the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Smith, Faf du Plessis will make for an interesting top order. To add to that, the muscle of Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni at the end will be even more exciting.
Predicted XI:
Rising Pune Supergiant:
- A. Rahane 2. F. du Plessis 3. S. Smith (c) 4. M. Tiwary 5. B. Stokes 6. MS Dhoni (wk) 7. R. Bhatia 8. A. Sharma 9. J. Unadkat 10. A. Dinda 11. I. Tahir