IPL SRL | MI vs RR - Preview, Form Guide, Predicted XI, Key Players

Mumbai Indians - W L W

Rohit Sharma’s men go into this encounter on the back of their high-scoring win against Delhi capitals, with the skipper performing at the highest standard. In the past two matches, the team has been highly dependent on the Indian opener for getting them off to a great start and this time too he would be crucial to their chances. Barring the one loss that they have had in the last three games, Mumbai would go into this encounter with their heads held high and confidence brimming more than ever. 

On the other hand, Rajasthan have had a shaky end to the week after their solitary win early on in the period. Against Kings XI Punjab earlier in the tournament, the Steve Smith-led side put up 252 runs for the loss of just two wickets. The top-two combined for 120 runs as Smith and Samson too were not far behind in terms of run-scoring charts. However, after that encounter, they have failed to match up to their potential allowing the opponents to get an easy pass past them. Both the Delhi and the SRH encounter did not go well for them as they would be aiming to get one past Mumbai finally to be right on track. 

Rajasthan, on the other hand, is at the other end of the spectrum, with their loss against SRH. Batting first, the tourists amassed 195 runs on board, with Sanju Samson leading the charge for the Smith-led side, scoring an unbeaten hundred. However, despite Samson’s century and a three-wicket haul from Jaydev Unadkat, they fell flat on their face with the opponents walking away with an easy win. 

If Mumbai Indians have a Rohit at the top of the order, the Royals have a Samson batting at No.3 in equally thundering form. Despite the Smith-led team failing badly in the last two encounters, one thing that did not change throughout the course of the last week was Samson’s batting at the No.3 spot. An unbeaten hundred in his last appearance, the right-hander’s blistering shots combined with his willy running between the wickets has helped Rajasthan to great scores. If and only if Rajasthan are looking to find themselves back on course in the tournament, they would be eyeing Samson to fire all guns. 

Jaydev Unadkat’s tremendous form has continued on to the IPL SRL after his amazing display in the Ranji Trophy with Saurashtra. Not only has he been amongst the wickets but his consistency and art-like skill set have set him apart in the Royals’ outfit, which consists of top-notch bowlers. His uncanny left-arm could be the game-changer in the game against Mumbai, with the heavy right-handed top-order for the hosts. Five wickets in the last two encounters surely put the onus on him to pick up wickets yet again for the Royals on Wednesday. 

Predicted XIs