IPL 2024 – Match 14: MI vs RR Match Preview, Playing 11, Players to Watch, Key Stats
Mumbai Indians are still in search of their first win of the tournament.
The 14th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will see Rajasthan Royals taking on the Mumbai Indians who will be hosting their first match of the season at the iconic venue Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 1st April, Monday.
The rivalry between Rajasthan and Mumbai has always been a close encounter which is reflected in their head-to-head number too, both of the teams have played each other 28 times, out of which Mumbai has won 15 and Rajasthan has come out as winners on 12 occasions and 1 match ended without any result to its name.
The Pitch at Wankhede Stadium always has some red soil content in it which results in fast bowlers getting some carry and bounce and with the breeze coming from the nearby Arabian Sea, the new ball too swings a bit upfront.
But after the swing leaves it often becomes a batting paradise which gives batters the value for their shot and placement. At Wankhede, the ball skids off the wicket under lights, which makes bowling tougher in the second dig.
Mumbai are going to play at Wankhede for the first time this season, coming from two defeats in two games, they are going to run into a great side named Rajasthan, and the Mumbai skipper will surely get tested by the home crowd who have been disappointed and angry by the sacking of their previous leader Rohit Sharma.
Rajasthan on the other hand has had the dream start that any franchise would pray for, where they have won both of their games while defending their total which is a tremendous job. At Wankhede, they will have their task cut down against some great players which should make it a thrilling affair.
Match Details:
- Date: 1 April 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
MI vs RR Probable Playing 11
MI Playing 11: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan(C), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, Shams Mulani, Piyush Chawla, Gerald Cotezee, Jasprit Bumrah, Nuwan Thushara
Impact Player: Dewald Brevis
RR Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(C,WK), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma
Impact Player: Nandre Burger / Rovman Powell
Key Batters to Watch for MI vs RR:
Hardik Pandya
Pandya has encountered significant struggles since returning to his former franchise. It appears that external pressures may have taken a toll on both his mental and physical well-being.
Consequently, his batting performances have been lacklustre, despite improvements in his bowling over the past few years. Particularly, his batting against fast bowling has seen a notable decline.
It’s crucial for Pandya to focus on enhancing his skill set. A fit and in-form Pandya is not only vital for his franchise but also for his national team.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The Left hander who had a dream run in his debut home series, has had a quiet start to this season of IPL, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli locked in the XI which will play in the World Cup he would want to be the 2nd opener of the team, by playing some substantial innings in this IPL.
Key Bowlers to watch for MI vs RR:
Avesh Khan
Khan provides some much-needed variety to the Rajasthan pace attack which is Hit the Deck bowling mixed with some occasional slower ones and wide Yorkers which are hard to combat, combined at the pace at which he operates makes him a difficult bowler to handle if he gets going, with the T20 World Cup round the corner he would want his name in the selection mix by performing consistently.
Gerald Coetzee
The tall lanky pacer from the Rainbow nation has certainly grabbed some eyebrows with his quick and hostile bowling which does not give any respite to the batters encountering him, and the Wicket in Mumbai too supports his kind of bowling which is into the pitch kind of stuff which makes this match an exciting affair to follow.
