REIGNING champions Mumbai Indians kick-off this year’s IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore – and here’s how to watch it live.
Rohit Sharma’s powerhouse line-up take on Virat Kohli’s star-studded side in a mouthwatering season opener.
Mumbai are looking to defend the title they won last year when they thrashed Delhi Capitals in the Dubai final.
What time does it start?
The game will begin at 3pm BST on Friday 9 April – 7.30pm in India.
This year the games were brought forward by 30 minutes from the traditional 8pm Indian time start.
How can I watch it?
Sky Sports have the rights to show the tournament in its entirety in the United Kingdom.
Viewers can watch all the action on the Sky Sports Cricket channel or stream it on Sky Go.
Non-Sky subscribers can stream the action on a number of devices by buying a Now TV pass.
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What are the likely line-ups?
Mumbai are set to field no fewer than seven Indian internationals in their side.
Captain Sharma will be joined in the batting order by Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan while all-round brothers Hardik and Krunal Pandya will play.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack with Rahul Chahar assuming spinning responsibilities.
Mumbai’s four overseas players are expected to be Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Bangalore, meanwhile, are expected to field their two big-money recruits at this year’s auction in Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson.
Kohli has confirmed he will open the batting and AB de Villiers has also returned for another season.
Bangalore also boast four Indian international bowlers in Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
