RCB vs MI, Match 5 of IPL 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore Player Availability & Probable Playing XI

The second game of Sunday’s double header will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and the 5-time IPL Champions Mumbai Indians. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will play host to a match that promises to be an exciting one with a lively packed house crowd expected.

RCB vs MI Team News

1. Rajat Patidar unavailable at least for the first half of the season

Ahead of their opening game, the Faf du Plessis lead side has received a major blow in the form of Rajat Patidar’s heel injury. The right-hander batter from Madhya Pradesh, who was one of the breakout stars for the side last season, will be missing at least the first half of IPL 2023. A heel injury will keep Rajat out of action and it is unsure when he will return to the fold. No replacement has been named for the right-hand batter as the team management expects him to be fit as the tournament progresses.

2. Will Jacks ruled out. Michael Bracewell named replacement

English all-rounder Will Jacks has been ruled out of what could have been his first IPL season. The all-rounder picked up an injury during England’s recent tour to Bangladesh. The team management has named New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as a like-to-like replacement.

3. Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell uncertain

Glenn Maxwell is uncertain for RCB’s opening game against MI. The all-rounder is still recovering from his broken leg injury which forced him to sit out of the last two ODI’s against India.

Another Australian who will miss a major part of the IPL is Josh Hazlewood. The pacer who was terrific last season with his line and length is recovering from an Achilles injury which forced him out of the entire Indian tour (Both tests & ODI) concluded recently. Hazlewood is uncertain for IPL 2023.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga may miss the first week due to national commitments

Sri Lanka’s ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is another unavailable player who may miss the opening week for RCB due to national commitments. Hasaranga will be playing the T20I series against New Zealand during the same period.

Predicted RCB playing 11

1. Faf du Plessis (C)
2. Finn Allen
3. Virat Kohli
4. Mahipal Lomror
5. Michael Bracewell/Glenn Maxwell
6. Dinesh Karthik (wk)
7. Shahbaz Ahmed
8. Harshal Patel
9. Reece Topley/David Willey
10. Mohammad Siraj
11. Karn Sharma

With a lot many injury concerns, it is expected that skipper Faf du Plessis will open alongside Finn Allen, who is expected to make his RCB debut after being on the bench for 2 years.
Virat Kohli seems to be the perfect candidate to bat at no 3 in the absence of Rajat Patidar. If Glenn Maxwell doesn’t features, Michael Bracewell will be his apt replacement.
Mahipal Lomror, Michael Bracewell, Dinesh Karthik and Shahbaz Ahmed will complete the rest of the batting lineup.
Harshal Patel, Mohammad Siraj, Karn Sharma, and one between Reece Topley or David Willey will complete the bowling unit.