In what could be considered a classic encounter, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would be taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. Meanwhile, Brian Lara has some piece of advice for both teams, as they look for success.
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RCB are off to a mixed start to their campaign, having won their opener against former champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), before losing to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). As for MI, they too are off to a similar start. They lost their opener to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), before winning against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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Meanwhile, Windies legend Brian Lara feels that Kohli could play a crucial role in RCB's win tonight. Furthermore, he also feels that if MI need a win tonight, they will have to get Kohli dismissed early, as he banks upon Jasprit Bumrah to do so.
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"It's Mumbai Indians against the Royal Challengers Bangalore and it will be Jasprit Bumrah against Virat Kohli. It will be taxing for Jasprit Bumrah, especially if they do not get Kohli early. And, if Virat Kohli settles, he can be very destructive in the middle-overs. But, I do expect to see a very good contest between these two giants of Indian cricket," Lara was quoted as saying to Star Sports.
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As for MI's batting, Lara feels that skipper cum opener, Rohit Sharma, would play a big role in steering his side. Also, since Rohit is good against leg-spinners, he could look to target Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been RCB's key man in the spin department.
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"Now, on the other hand, we have Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner against Rohit Sharma. Now, is he going to get the ball in the first six overs to bowl to Rohit Sharma? I don't know. But, if they do meet each other, Rohit Sharma is not a bad player of spin. Chahal has had his success, but what an encounter to look forward to. I think Rohit Sharma is going to get the better of him," added Lara.
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To date, both the teams have clashed on 27 occasions, with MI winning on 18 and RCB winning nine. In the IPL, they have met on 25 instances, with MI winning 16 and RCB winning nine. They have clashed only once in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with RCB having the upper hand.
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As of now, both the teams are on two points each. While MI are placed fourth, RCB are placed seventh. A win tonight could push either to the top spot.
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