IPL 2026: What changes will MI need to make for next match against RCB?

MI will clash with RCB in match 20 of IPL 2026 on April 12.

Although the Mumbai Indians (MI) managed to win their opening game in the Indian Premier League 2026, they have faced a poor start. Hardik Pandya & Co. crushed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their opening game but lost the next two games against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.

In the previous game, the match was shortened to 11 overs per innings. MI won the toss and opted for the preferred option of chasing in the rain-affected clash. Their bowling unit completely failed against RR, as they posted a mammoth total of 150/3.

Chasing the target, MI lost five batsmen within five overs, exposing their batting inability to perform under pressure. The five-time champions will clash with mighty Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their next game. Mumbai have a big challenge against RCB, as they won both of their opening games with ease.

Following back-to-back defeats in the last two games, MI need some changes in their playing XI ahead of the next clash. On that note, below are the three changes MI should make for their next clash against RCB.

Changes MI should make for their next game against RCB

3. Quinton de Kock over Ryan Rickelton

Ryan Rickelton scored a half-century in the opening game but got out for single digits in the last two games. In the last two matches, MI also failed to execute the power play properly.

Quinton de Kock is a more experienced batter than Rickelton and can be tried against RCB. He has a long experience in IPL and has also represented Mumbai.

2. Mitchell Santner over Allah Ghazanfar

Mumbai picked Allah Ghazanfar as a spinner in the previous game instead of Mitchell Santner. However, Santner is a far more experienced spinner in their squad. Moreover, he can also lend a hand in the batting and can smash crucial runs in the lower order.

Santner was picked in the match against DC but benched against RR. Moreover, Santner’s IPL experience will be an advantage against a strong side like RCB.

1. Shuffling pace unit

In the last match, MI’s bowling unit struggled, and the fast bowlers leaked a lot of runs. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur proved too expensive, and the pair did not reap benefits.

Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are other crucial pacers in their squad; however, they also did not perform well. Since their pace unit flopped in the previous clash, they can shuffle a few bowlers in the next round.

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