Royal Challengers Bangalore began with a resounding eight-wicket win over Delhi on Thursday. Mumbai Indian, on the other hand, stumbled to a 41-run loss against Kolkata. These are early days in the season but the defending champions need to regroup fast against Virat Kohli?s side.
Rohit as opener
Mumbai may be better off with captain Rohit Sharma opening the innings alongside Michael Hussey. Rohit does it for India in ODIs. While Aditya Tare scored 24 off 22 against Kolkata, Mumbai will need an in-form and experienced batsman at the top considering that Michael Hussey looked out of sorts in the first game. They scored just 122 for seven in 20 overs while chasing 163 against Kolkata. Mumbai need their batting orchestra to hit the right notes.
Kohli factor
The brightest in the constellation of Bangalore?s batting stars is skipper Virat Kohli. Not only does Kohli score big runs, but he can keep the scoreboard ticking over without seemingly taking risks. The good news for the side is that Yuvraj Singh, after a poor World T20, scored an unbeaten half century against Delhi on Thursday.
Gayle fit?
Chris Gayle missed the first match against Delhi due to a back injury. Australian Nic Maddinson replaced him but failed to impress. Gayle, carrying a few niggles into the World T20, scored a half-century but didn?t create the kind of impact expected of him with the bat. Bangalore will be hoping that he is saving his best for season seven.
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