With IPL 2021 knocking at the door, last-minute preparation
for both Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, ahead of their
season-opener on Friday, have expectedly peaked in intent as both sides look
ahead to register their first win and take the first step towards the title.

April 9 would see two IPL matches from two different seasons
being played within a span of five months, assumably a physically exhausting
task for the players. For the fans, however, this would signal the beginning of
yet another year’s worth of T20 action.

Also read: IPL 2021: 5 players who can break Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title jinx

Despite fans not being allowed in the stands, the first
match is set to be a banger, as five-time champions Mumbai Indians go up
against a revamped and determined Royal Challengers Bangalore.

An added bit of significance would also be the tournament
being held in the same year as that of the T20 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma, having won a total of five IPL titles so far,
will be aiming at a sixth, as names like Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Quinton
de Kock alongside Indian talents such as Ishan Kishan and Rahul Chahar form the
rock-solid squad depth of the Mumbai based franchise.

Also read: IPL 2021: Full list of commentators for the T20 league announced

RCB, led by Kohli, on the other hand, would have a
significant lot to prove. With a largely revamped squad, Kohli would depend
largely on new names like Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, and notable big hitter
from last season, Devdutt Padikkal, to light a fire and carry it all the way to
the silverware.

The season opener begins Friday 7:30 am.