RR vs MI: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
Rajasthan Royals welcome an in-form Mumbai Indians at home in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Ajinkya Rahane-led Royals outfit have lost six matches out of eight. Meanwhile, MI have 12 points with six wins and three losses. There is plenty at stake for both teams. Here we present the detailed match preview.
Head-to-head records between the two teams
RR and MI have faced each other on 22 occasions in the IPL. MI have won 11 of those games and RR have sealed 10, while one match didn't have any result. RR have beaten MI on three successive occasions since 2018.
RR's batting is a cause of concern
The middle order of RR is a concern and despite several faces being tried, the balance has been missing. We might see Steve Smith return in place of Ashton Turner. Rahane might open the batting once again after coming in the middle order against KXIP. The team looks over reliant on Jos Buttler and that's a worry. RR batsmen need to offer more solidity.
RR will depend on Archer's brilliance with the ball
Jofra Archer has been the shining light and a lot will revolve around him. Dhawal Kulkarni and Jaydev Unadkat need to support Archer. Shreyas Gopal and Ish Sodhi could handle the spin department. RR need to be wary of MI's exploits at the death.
Consistent Hardik Pandya could be the difference
MI have been decent upfront and then the lower middle order has delivered. The middle order has looked short. That has forced MI to try out different combinations. Hardik Pandya has been a consistent force with his hard-hitting abilities at the death. He could be the difference in this match. Pandya is striking at 194.64. Quinton de Kock's role upfront is crucial.
MI's strong bowling line-up will cause issues for RR
MI have bowled well and Jasprit Bumrah leads the proceedings. His economy-rate of 6.54 has been the striking factor. Veteran Lasith Malinga is among the wickets and he has picked form. Spinner Rahul Chahar is a delight to watch and can make the difference.
Pitch report, TV listing and timing
It's expected to be a decent batting surface with something in store for spinners. Batsmen will need to apply themselves in the middle. Anything above 170 will be par at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The match is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar app.
