IPL 2021: Hardik Pandya returns as Mumbai opt to bowl vs Bangalore

In a big boost to Mumbai Indians (MI), star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is making his Indian Premier League (IPL) comeback against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday as the defending champions look to snap a losing streak and get back in the playoff qualifying spots.

Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first. Speaking on the two losses so far in the UAE leg, Sharma said, “We have tried everything in the two games we played and I though a score in front us to have a crack would be ideal. Important to focus on game in hand and keep ticking those small boxes.”

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On Pandya’s return to the side, Sharma said he is “very passionate about the game and passionate about his comeback, from a team’s perspective it’s a great boost for us.”

Meanwhile, RCB skipper Virat Kohli said he would have also bowled first had he won the toss, saying he doesn’t think the track will change much. 

Speaking on their own struggles in the UAE, Kohli said, “We had a team chat together and we haven’t been outplayed and made some mistakes ourselves. When the crunch moment arrives, you have to back yourself and that’s been the chat to play expressive cricket. It’s about executing them with courage.”

Kohli also said his side will have to match the “intensity and belief” from the Mumbai players, calling them “one of the strongest sides in the IPL”. 

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He also confirmed three changes for his side tonight, with Navdeep Saini, Wanindu Hasaranga and Tim David being replaced by Shahbaz Ahmed, Dan Christian and Kyle Jamieson.

Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Srikar Bharat (WK), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Shahbaz Ahmed, Daniel Christian, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult