RCB Opt to Bowl Against MI in Crucial IPL Clash, Hardik Pandya Absent

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and chose to bowl first against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 fixture, a decision driven by favorable chasing conditions on a hard black-soil wicket. RCB captain Rajat Patidar said the pitch and recent trends made bowling first the 'pretty obvious' choice as his side looks to rebound from back-to-back losses.

Mumbai Indians, currently ninth in the standings, are on the brink of elimination with another defeat likely to end their playoff hopes. Despite a win in their previous game, consistency has eluded them, and regular skipper Hardik Pandya remains absent, with Suryakumar Yadav continuing as captain. Yadav expressed confidence in setting a target, citing the large ground dimensions and the importance of scoreboard pressure.

RCB's playoff cushion has thinned after losses to Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, leaving them fourth but under pressure to regain form. Both teams named unchanged playing XIs, with MI fielding Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, while RCB included Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and Krunal Pandya. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.