The Indian Premier League has led to many dream combinations coming into existence. The concept of someone like Sachin Tendulkar batting alongside Sanath Jayasuriya was only a dream before the IPL
Over the years, players have jumped from one team to another, and many have played for more than one team. Today we will look at the best playing XI of players who have played for Mumbai Indians(MI) as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB).
Openers:
Quinton de Kock and Robin Uthappa
Quinton de Kock is a proper opening batsman and has never played at any other position. He also opens for South Africa in international matches. Quinton de Kock averages 31.13 and has a strike rate of 133.13 at the top of the batting order. He played for RCB in 2018 and has been a part of the Mumbai setup since 2019. Uthappa on the other hand was a part of the Mumbai set up in 2008 and then played for RCB between 2009-10.
Both Parthiv Patel and Robin Uthappa have played a majority of their games as openers. Patel has played 116 games as an opener and has 13 half-centuries at this position. Uthappa has scored 11 half-centuries from 77 matches as an opener. There is no doubt that these two could give the team a flying start.
Middle Order:
Manish Pandey, Sourabh Tiwary, Dinesh Karthik
Manish Pandey has been a number 3 batsman for the majority of his career. He has a healthy average of 32.94, and a strike rate of 124.22. Pandey played for MI in 2008 and between 2009-10 for the RCB.
Dinesh Karthik comes in at number 4 in this lineup. He played for Mi between 2012-13 and in 2015 for the RCB. The Indian veteran is a great addition for any team for the adaptability that he brings to the table. His experience will allow him to control the pace of the match. He has a healthy strike rate of 125.81 at this position.
Saurabh Tiwary will play at number 5 in this setup. Armed with an explosive playing style, Tiwary has done well at the top of the order as well as down the order. He could provide stability to the batting lineup down the order. Tiwary played for RCB between 2011-13, and is currently a part of MI since 2020. He also played for the Mumbai outfit between 2008-10 and 2017-18.
Allrounder:
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is one of the most destructive players in the world. The Australian all-rounder has the ability to change the course of the game at any time. Maxwell has a strike rate of 153.84. He fits the profile of the finisher to a tee in the team.
Maxwell is also a skilled spinner and can provide a much-needed variety to his team. His bowling skills will give the captain another option in the bowling department. Maxwell played for the Mumbai Indians in 2013 and was the most expensive player that season. He went on to play with different franchises and has now landed with the RCB in 2021.
Bowlers:
Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal made his name in international cricket after seminal performances in the IPL. He was first signed with the Mumbai Indians from 2011-13 but played only one match. He however made an impact in that match, garnering figures of 2/9 against RCB.
RCB brought him to their fold the next season when he was released by the Mumbai Indians. Since then, Chahal has been a bowling mainstay in the Bengaluru outfit. Chahal has taken 122 wickets in the IPL, and is one of the best spinners in international cricket.
Tim Southee
Tim Southee is one of New Zealand’s best fast bowlers of all time. Southee was signed to Mumbai Indians in 2016 and was a part of the winning team in 2017. He then went on to play for RCB in 2018 but couldn’t make much of an impact. Southee is a veteran fast bowler with years of experience, which would be invaluable for the team.
Zaheer Khan
India’s 2011 World Cup hero, Zaheer Khan was a part of the RCB in 2014 and between 2011-13. He then played for MI between 2009-10 and in 2014. Khan is one of India’s most successful fast bowlers of all time. The veteran has the experience of a lifetime and would be an indispensable part of the team.
RP Singh
Mumbai Indians picked up RP Singh in 2012 after his Kochi franchise went defunct. He had a decent season for the franchise but failed to be retained in the next season. Singh was promptly bought by the RCB. The talented pacer was one of India’s fast bowling mainstays in his prime. There is no doubt that the left-arm medium-fast bowler could make an impact when required.
Karn Sharma
Karn Sharma played his first IPL match for the RCB. He is regarded as a lucky charm in the IPL, as he is the only player to reach the IPL finals with RCB, MI and CSK. The leg-break bowler was the lead spinner for the Mumbai Indians in 2017 and was instrumental in the team lifting the trophy that season. His addition will be a welcome to the setup.
