Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra reminded Royal Challengers Bangalore’s poor record on their home soil as they find it very difficult to beat the visiting team over the years. RCB will take on Mumbai Indians in their league opener on Sunday at the famous Chinnaswamy Stadium.
With the IPL 2023 underway, the former Indian cricketer shared his insights on the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. While previewing the match, speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out Bangalore’s weakness owing to the home conditions.
“It will be the Chinnaswamy ground. This team’s record at home is very, very pedestrian. It is second from the bottom. Delhi has the worst record and Bangalore are also close by,” Aakash Chopra said.
Royal Challengers Bangalore dealt with a huge blow losing Will Jacks ahead of the season adding more to their worries. Besides, they will be without the services of Josh Hazelwood, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rajat Patidar for the opening encounter and the availability of Glenn Maxwell was also uncertain who is currently recovering from an injury.
“Josh Hazlewood is unavailable as of now. Glenn Maxwell is unavailable and Wanindu Hasaranga is not there. They invested a lot in him. Wanindu has been outstanding, but he is unavailable for this match. Rajat Patidar is also not there. So there are a lot of problems,” Aakash Chopra added.
Royal Challengers Bangalore has been one of the most consistent sides in the last three years reaching the playoffs but being unable to get through the final hurdle. Faf du Plessis-led side will be looking to end their long wait for their maiden IPL trophy.
Mumbai Indians Batting Order Will Be On Focus – Aakash Chopra
Mumbai Indians have one of strongest batting lineups in the league with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav, Tim David, and Dewald Brevis. Speaking on their batting order Aakash Chopra said that it is going to be a tricky situation for The Indians.
“The batting order will be a focus of discussion. Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav or Tilak Varma. After that, Cameron Green is in the middle, and Tim David later. It is a slightly tricky situation for Mumbai this time,” Aakash Chopra asserted.
Mumbai Indians Credits: TwitterMumbai Indians’ bowling is looking vulnerable in absence of Jasprit Bumrah and a proper spinner in their lineup, but there will be hope for players like Duan Jansen and Arshad Khan to step up on the big occasion.
The five-time champions will look to make a comeback in IPL 2023 after a disastrous campaign in IPL 2022 finishing 10th in the points table with just 4 wins in 14 matches.