IPL 2017 Player Battles: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians, Top 4 player battles to look for

#4 Virat Kohli vs. Lasith Malinga

Kohli is set for his grand return

All eyes will be on the RCB skipper as he plays his first game of the season. After an unbelievable batting display last season, Kohli is expected to do the same in this edition as well after having a marvellous year on the international front. Against Mumbai, he faces some quality bowling and his biggest challenge will be the wily old fox Lasith Malinga, against whom he has enjoyed astounding success in the past.

Malinga has always been a bowler who has been difficult to pick because of his low arm action. Whilst he might not have the pace anymore, but his guile and deceptions are still things to behold. His yorkers along with the slower short deliveries have made Malinga arguablt the most lethal bowler in IPL history.

But Virat Kohli with his powerful wrists and strong on-side play has found able answers to Malinga’s yorkers. In the past, he has whipped him to fine leg, has flicked him over square leg boundary and has looked totally unscratched against Malinga.

So, when these two meet at Bangalore on Friday, Malinga will be aiming to settle scores against Kohli, while the prolific Indian batsman will be looking to replicate his past success.