IPL 2024, RR vs MI: Decoding the key player battles
Rajasthan Royals will meet Mumbai Indians in Match 38 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). While table-toppers RR have six wins in seven outings, MI have managed just three victories in their first seven games. Earlier this season, RR thrashed MI by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. Meanwhile, here we look at the probable player battles that can be on display.
Rohit Sharma vs Trent Boult
MI would need the in-form Rohit Sharma to fire. The veteran opener will have to negate Trent Boult upfront against RR. The NZ speedster dismissed him for a golden duck earlier in the season. Overall, he has dismissed him twice across seven IPL meetings. As per ESPNcricinfo, Rohit has managed 17 runs against him, with a paltry strike rate of 94.44.
Hardik Pandya vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Hardik Pandya is yet to make a significant contribution. He would be raring to shine against RR. The MI skipper might tackle Yuzvendra Chahal as the leg-spinner has troubled him in the past. Chahal has dismissed the dasher four times across 13 IPL meetings while conceding just 63 runs off 69 balls. The leggie also dismissed Hardik in their meeting earlier this season.
Jos Buttler vs Jasprit Bumrah
As Jos Buttler slammed two match-winning tons in his last three outings, MI will aim to send him early. Veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah has kept the RR opener quiet in IPL, dismissing him twice across eight IPL innings. Moreover, he has conceded just 62 runs off 65 balls in this battle. With 13 wickets, Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker of the ongoing season.
Riyan Parag vs Gerald Coetzee
Riyan Parag has been instrumental to RR's dream run this season. He has scored runs consistently and that too at a great pace. His battle with Gerald Coetzee can be enticing. Though the young South African pacer has been expensive, he has been among the wickets. Having bowled six death overs (16-20) this season, he has taken five wickets.
Key details about the match
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will host this duel on April 22 (7:30pm IST). The wicket here usually assists the batters right from the start. This venue has played host to several high-scoring games in the tournament. Both pacers and spinners can cash in here. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema.
