MI Vs RR – Mumbai Indians face Rajasthan Royals in a battle for turnaround
The 14th match of IPL 2024 pits Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This is MI’s home opener, and they’re desperate for their first win after two competitive losses. Conversely, Rajasthan Royals have enjoyed a perfect start with two convincing victories.
MI boasts a strong batting lineup with Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, and the returning Hardik Pandya. Their bowling attack features the lethal Jasprit Bumrah and the experienced Gerland Coetzee. However, they haven’t yet translated promise into points.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have a well-oiled machine with explosive openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, along with the experienced Sanju Samson and wily spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. They’ll be looking to extend their winning streak on the road.
Historically, RR hasn’t fared well against MI. But with both teams possessing incredible talent, this promises to be a thrilling encounter.
MI Vs RR – Pitch/Weather Report
The temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 30 degrees Celsius in the evening. It will be very warm and humid during the match. There is no chance of rain
Wankhede’s batting paradise awaits Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals
Get ready for a run-fest! The upcoming match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, renowned for its flat wicket and short boundaries. This batsman-friendly surface offers early swing for pacers and some turn for spinners, but batters are likely to dominate overall. Chasing could prove advantageous later in the innings due to potential dew settling.
MI Vs RR – Predicted Playing XI
Mumbai Indians
Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, HH Pandya (C), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Piyush Chawla, G Coetzee, JJ Bumrah, Kwena Maphaka
Rajasthan Royals
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, SV Samson (C), R Parag, DC Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
MI Vs RR – Captain/Vice Captain Picks
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yet to find his footing this season with the bat, but brings a strong record in T20Is and a memorable IPL hundred against MI in 2023.
- Riyan Parag: Enjoying a good run of form, rescuing RR from an early collapse against LSG and smashing a career-best 84(45) to secure victory against DC.
- Nandre Burger: Emerging as a wicket-taking threat, claiming crucial wickets in both matches played so far and contributing significantly to RR’s winning start.
- Tilak Varma: Despite Mumbai’s struggles, Tilak Varma has emerged as a bright spot. The young left-hander currently leads the team in run-scoring with 89 runs in just two matches. Look out for Varma to continue his good form and pose a serious threat to the Rajasthan Royals bowling attack.
MI Vs RR – Top Player Picks
- Sanju Samson (RR): Fresh off a brilliant knock against LSG, Samson seeks consistency. The star batter has been in good IPL form for a while, but a strong showing this season is crucial for his T20 World Cup 2024 selection hopes.
- Rohit Sharma (MI): Sharma has shown signs of form with a 43 (29) against GT and a brisk start against SRH. Given his experience and Wankhede being his home ground, a big knock from him could be on the cards against RR.
- Naman Dhir (MI): Don’t let the name fool you, Dhir has quietly impressed in his limited opportunities. Filling the void left by Suryakumar Yadav at number 3, the young batsman has played two composed cameos against GT and SRH, flying under the radar despite his contributions.
Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
MI Vs RR
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravi Ashwin, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Yuzi Chahal, Gerald Coetzee
Captain First-Choice: Jos Buttler || Captain Second-Choice: Hardik Pandya
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Tilak Varma || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Riyan Parag
Dream11, Team 2, Grand League
MI Vs RR
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Nandre Burger
Captain First-Choice: Rohit Sharma || Captain Second-Choice: Ishan Kishan
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Sanju Samson || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Who Could Win?
Rajasthan Royals enter this match as strong favorites. Their batting has been dominant with Jaiswal due for a big score, while Parag and Samson are in top form. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Burger and the experienced Ashwin and Chahal, shouldn’t be underestimated.
However, Mumbai Indians shouldn’t be counted out. Rohit Sharma is due for a big knock on his home ground, and Dhir’s cameos hint at a promising middle order. Their bowling attack, though inexperienced, has Bumrah as a constant threat. If they can click as a unit, they can pull off an upset.
This match promises to be a close encounter with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. The team that executes better on the day will emerge victorious.
