The first match of IPL 2021 will see defending champions Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai – here’s the preview and playing XI for the MI v RCB clash.

IPL 2021: MI v RCB preview

It’s that time of the year again. Just six months after Mumbai clinched their fifth IPL title, they return to the field to defend the crown, clashing with RCB in the 2021 season opener.

While MI will be looking to start from where they left off, RCB would be aiming to capitalise on their run to the semi-final in IPL 2020 and end their trophy drought.

There will be new challenges for the eight teams in action with all games being held at neutral venues, taking away home advantage.

Team news

Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB

Ahead of their opening game, RCB have been troubled with fitness issues, with two players, Devdutt Padikkal and Daniel Sams, testing positive for Covid-19. While Sams is expected to remain in isolation, Padikkal has recovered and joined the squad, and is expected to open the batting with skipper Virat Kohli.

Mumbai Indians – MI

While Mumbai Indians’ squad hasn’t reported any active cases from the player roster, their scout and keeping consultant Kiran More tested positive for Covid-19 and was isolated.

You can follow latest news and updates from the tournament here.

Pitch and weather

The Chennai surface is known for its slow, low surface and assistance to spin, but will also likely to be a good surface to bat on. While temperatures are expected to go as high as 35’C, the conditions will be cooler with the game scheduled for the evening slot.

MI v RCB preview: Predicted XI

RCB: Virat Kohli, Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Kyle Jamieson, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

MI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, James Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Check out the fantasy preview here.

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