IPL 2019: The winning Dream11 for RCB vs MI
What's the story
The IPL 2019 is off to a thrilling start, as we enter match number seven between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore and former champions Mumbai Indians.
The match is scheduled to take place at the M Chinnaswamy in Bangalore on Thursday.
As two of the biggest names in cricket, Kohli and Rohit Sharma, collide, let us analyze the winning Dream XI for this encounter.
Wicket-keeper
Quinton de Kock: The king behind the stumps
Starting with the wicket-keeper, Quinton de Kock is the ideal man.
His current form in T20s has been decent, while he also scored a watchful 27 in the last game against Delhi Capitals.
As for RCB's Parthiv Patel, he had a good day against Chennai Super Kings, but it looks unlikely that he can come up with a similar performance against MI.
Batsmen
Kohli, Rohit among top batsmen
As for the batsmen, this tie is a treat for fans, but pain for the bowlers.
The side is ought to include top three RCB batsmen, in the form of Kohli, AB de Villiers and Shimron Hetmyer, while Rohit makes it for MI.
Although all these batsmen failed to fire in the opener, it is expected they would dictate the proceedings on Thursday.
All-rounders
Moeen Ali, Krunal Pandya are the two all-rounders
As for the all-rounders, RCB's Moeen Ali makes the list.
Even though he didn't shine with the bat in the last match, he did make an impact with the ball, claiming 1/19.
From MI, Krunal Pandya makes the Dream XI, courtesy his fruitful innings of 15-ball 32.
He is also being backed to make an impact with the ball in this tie.
Bowlers
Mohammad Siraj, Lasith Malinga headline among bowlers
Among the bowlers, a couple of rookie bowlers in the form of Navdeep Saini and Mohammad Siraj make the list, courtesy their performance in the last match.
As for MI, yorker specialist Lasith Malinga is back in the side.
It would be interesting to see how Malinga fares in his first game.
Mitchell McClenaghan also finds his name in XI for his wicket-taking attributes.
Captains
Kohli is the captain, Krunal to lead as vice-captain
Considering the captain gets a bonus of 2x, Kohli has to be the captain of the side.
He is likely to perform in this tie as an opener, with the match being held at home for RCB.
Meanwhile, Krunal should be appointed as the vice-captain, owing to his all-round ability to perform, especially following his show in the last match.