RCB vs MI IPL 2023: Top all-rounder won’t play; big changes in RCB playing XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will kick off their IPL 2023 campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the fifth match of the season in front of their loyal home crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. RCB vs MI IPL 2023: Top all-rounder won’t play; big changes in RCB playing XI.

But the new season comes with renewed hopes from the fans and players alike as RCB will be back playing in front of their loyal supporters. The Bengaluru-based franchise made a few shrewd signings in the IPL 2023 auction and looks like a well-balanced side on paper. Wanindu Hasaranga, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) key spin bowler, will be absent for the first two matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) due to his national duty for Sri Lanka.

Who are currently touring New Zealand. The Lankan Lions will face off against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series, commencing from April 2 to April 8, and Hasaranga is desperate to help his country emerge victorious. Unfortunately, this means he will only be available to play for RCB from April 9.

RCB coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed that Hasaranga would not be able to play for the first two games of the season against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. He also mentioned that all-rounder Michael Bracewell is a versatile player and may replace Hasaranga for these matches.

Also Read: RCB vs MI: Main player ruled out from IPL 2023

RCB predicted playing XI vs MI:

Openers: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Anuj Rawat, Michael Bracewell, Shahbaz Nadeem, David Willey, Reece Topley, Harshal Patel, Mohammad Siraj.