Indian Premier League 2019 Match 27, Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Having lost a controversial last-ball thriller to Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals face the unenviable task of facing another three-time IPL champion when they travel to Mumbai Indians.

Rajasthan are performing only marginally better than Royal Challengers Bangalore, in terms of results, winning just 1 of their 5 matches so far. There is already a 4-point gap between them and Delhi Capitals at No. 6. They are taking big sides to the wire – like Chennai on Thursday – but for some reason, nothing has come together for them.

Mumbai, meanwhile, are doing what they are well-known for – starting poorly, and then peaking at the right time to take the tournament by storm. They’re currently No. 3 on the table, after winning their last 3 matches on the trot, including victories over tough outfits in Chennai and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

So what can Rajasthan do? For starters, they’ll have to address the situation of Ben Stokes. He’s remarkable in the field, no doubt, but he’s been struggling to stamp his mark this tournament. While Rajasthan could have used some sixes, Stokes’ 26-ball 28 didn’t really to the momentum. He bowled well for the most part, but made a mess of it all with that expensive last over, when he failed to defend 18.

It could all just be a matter of one win sparking a run of form for Rajasthan – like it did for Mumbai. The trouble is, doesn’t look likely to come on Saturday.

Head to head

Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have so far clashed in 21 matches. Things have been largely even-stevens, with Mumbai winning 11 of those to Rajasthan’s 9. There was one no-result.

Last year, however, it was all Rajasthan. They beat Mumbai by 3 wickets and 7 wickets in their 2 matches, as Mumbai failed to progress to the Playoffs.

Key players

Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians): The big man is coming into form. Pollard hammered a match-winning 31-ball 83 against Kings XI Punjab to help Mumbai snare a narrow victory. That too, he was standing in as captain for Rohit Sharma. That knock came after a crucial 46* against Hyderabad. He’s dangerous in this form, and Rajasthan will be on the lookout.

Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals): Buttler’s role is crucial in the Rajasthan set-up. They rely on him for the heavy-hitting in the Powerplay – his 10-ball 23 against Chennai signified that – but there is also a need on him to protect a rather brittle middle order, as was evident when he scored a 34-ball 37 against Kolkata Knight Riders before that. Which avatar of him will we see on Saturday?

Likely XIs

Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Alzarri Joseph, Rahul Chahar, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah.

Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Steve Smith, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Prashant Chopra, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, S Midhun, Dhawal Kulkarni.

Prediction

Mumbai to continue winning streak.