Fans are waiting with bated breath for the start of the 20th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as it features arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This match is set to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 12.
While the Mumbai Indians have had a dismal start to the campaign, managing just one win in three matches, the Royal Challengers have fared better, registering two victories in three.
Ahead of the important clash, legendary
former South African speedster Dale Steyn, via Star Sports' Instagram handle, predicted that Hardik Pandya would play a key role and win the Player of the Match award. Apart from Hardik, the contest will feature several stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav from MI and Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood from RCB.
Hardik has not been at his best this season. In two games, he has scored just 27 runs and picked up a solitary wicket.
On the other hand, Steyn backed Phil Salt to fire on all cylinders after a disappointing start to the season. In three games, he has managed only 54 runs and is coming off a golden duck in the last game against the Rajasthan Royals.
Steyn also mentioned that Jasprit Bumrah will be among the wickets. The talismanic fast bowler has astonishingly gone wicketless, despite having a terrific economy rate of 8.
The Royal Challengers faced Mumbai only once last season. At the Wankhede Stadium, RCB posted 221/5 as Kohli and Patidar slammed blistering half-centuries. In reply, the home side was restricted to 209/9, with Krunal Pandya starring with a four-wicket haul.
The overall head-to-head record between RCB and MI stands at 15-19, with the five-time champions having the upper hand. However, the defending champions have won three out of their last five meeting against the Mumbai-based franchise. Tickets for Sunday's game have sold out, and fans can expect a humdinger of a contest in the City of Dreams.
