IPL 2021: RCB's Predicted Playing XI Without Devdutt Padikkal In The Season Opener Against Mumbai Indians (MI)

IPL 2021 is set to start next week with the first match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians on April 9, 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore will be short of Devdutt Padikkal in the first game as he has tested positive for covid-19. As a result, the left-handed batsman will miss the first few games in IPL 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to find a replacement for Devdutt Padikkal in the first match against Mumbai Indians.

Devdutt Padikkal bagged limelight in IPL 2020. Playing his debut IPL season, he ended as the highest run-scorer for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He scored 473 runs in 15 matches which comprised of 5 half-centuries. He also won the emerging player of the year award in IPL 2020 for his fabulous batting in the tournament. As Devdutt Padikkal is set to miss Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians match in IPL 2021, here we look at the predicted XI of RCB for the first match.

IPL 2021: RCB’s Predicted Playing XI Without Devdutt Padikkal In The Season Opener Against Mumbai Indians (MI)

Sachin Baby

Sachin Baby will be a good replacement for Devdutt Padikkal for the first match. Sachin Baby made his debut in IPL 2013 and has played a total of 18 matches in IPL so far. He was part of teams like Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past. He also played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2016 and IPL 2017. IPL 2021 auction, RCB bought Sachin Baby for Rs. 20 lakh. He can play as an opener till Devdutt Padikkal returns to the squad.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is RCB’s skipper and has been a spectacular batsman in IPL. He is the highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League so far. He will be the best option for the other opener in the team. Last season, he played 15 matches and scored 466 runs along with 3 half-centuries. He is a confirmed part of the playing XI in the first match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021.

AB de Villiers

Like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers is another player without whom Royal Challengers Bangalore is incomplete. He is a very crucial overseas player in the team. He should bat at the 3rd spot in IPL 2021. In IPL 2020, the South African cricketer scored 454 runs in 15 matches along with 3 half-centuries. He should be part of the playing XI against Mumbai Indians in the first match.

Glenn Maxwell

Along with AB de Villiers, RCB now has another big overseas hitter in the form of Glenn Maxwell. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the Australian cricketer for Rs. 14.25 crore during IPL 2021 auction. Maxwell is a big hitter who can win the game with his ability to hit big shots. He is another overseas player who will be part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first game against Mumbai Indians.

Dan Christian

Australian all-rounder Dan Christian is an important all-rounder in Royal Challenger Bangalore. He is a medium pacer bowler and showed good performance in the recent Big Bash League tournament. His inclusion will help Royal Challengers Bangalore in the middle-order.

Mohammed Azharuddeen

Mohammed Azharuddeen can be a good option for wicket-keeper for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. He plays for Kerala domestic team and RCB bought him for Rs. 20 lakh in IPL 2021 auction. He became the first batsman from Kerala to hit a century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He can be part of the playing XI for RCB against Mumbai Indians.

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar is a superb spin bowler in T20 format. He is another good player for the first match against Mumbai Indians. Last season, he played 15 matches and took 8 wickets. He also scored 111 runs. He will be a good option for the spinner in the playing XI. He was great during India vs Australia and India vs England Test series and has been in a good form.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal is the biggest asset in the bowling department for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal was the leading wicket-taker for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020 with 21 wickets in 15 matches. Overall, he was the 5th highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He should be part of the RCB in the first match in IPL 2021.

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj made his international debut last year in the Test series against Australia. He also played in the Test series against England recently. Siraj’s international debut must have boosted his confidence. He will be a good option as a pacer for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match against Mumbai Indians.

Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini took 6 wickets in 12 matches last season. Navdeep Saini is a dangerous pacer who can bowl at 150 km/hr. He is a good choice for the pacer that Royal Challengers Bangalore have. He should be inducted in the playing XI in the first match against Mumbai Indians. He is going to be part of the first match against Mumbai Indians.

Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson should the 4th overseas player that Royal Challengers should induct in the playing XI in the first match against Mumbai Indians. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the New Zealand pacer for Rs. 15 crore in the auction. He is expected to strengthen RCB’s bowling department in IPL 2021. He should be part of RCB in the first match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021.