Mumbai have registered comprehensive wins in their last two games, getting the better of Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad by 48 and 34 runs respectively. MI skipper Rohit Sharma has led from the front with a couple of impressive fifties. In the last game, the other opener Quinton de Kock also found his touch.
The middle order has done an excellent job for Mumbai with Kieron Pollard blazing, and crucial runs also coming from the willows of Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. In the last match Hardik’s brother Krunal also played a stunning cameo. In the bowling, pacer James Pattinson has put his hands up with some fine performances. Add Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult to the list, who have also displayed their craft.
Royals have struggled in the last couple of games because Jos Buttler has not been among the runs while the middle order comprising of Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag have done nothing of note. Rajasthan could bring in youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal into the playing eleven, replacing either of the two.
In the bowling, left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat has had a horror run with one wicket in four games, leaving Jofra Archer and Tom Curran with too much to do. As such, RR could bring in either Varun Aaron or young pacer Kartik Tyagi.
Head-to-Head Record: MI and RR have faced each other 21 times, and have won 10 games each. One match was abandoned.
MI Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, James Pattinson, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah
RR Predicted XI: Jos Buttler (WK), Steve Smith (C), Sanju Samson, Mahipal Lomror, Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, Jofra Archer, Ankit Rajpoot, Shreyas Gopal and Jaydev Unadkat
Pitch Report
The Abu Dhabi surface has offered more purchase to bowlers as opposed to the other two venues. Spinners and pacers can make an impact. Dew could play a role.
Weather conditions
The weather will be sunny with temperature in the mid-30s. Humidity with be around 50 per cent.
--Renin Wilben