IPL 2021 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Thursday 29th April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Where can I get tickets for Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals? IPL 2021 matches will initially be played without spectators but visit the official IPL website for any further updates
What channel is Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals on? Sky Sports will be televising this match
Where can I stream Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live vis the Sky Go website or app
THE TEAM NEWS
MUMBAI INDIANS
- It has not been the best of starts for the defending champions who have lost three of their opening five games including their last two at the hands of the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings so they will be fired up to bounce back here.
- The issues with their batting continue as they could only muster 131/6 last time out and their totals have decreased with every game they have played having started with 159/9 before dropping to 152 all out, 150/5, 137/9 before the 131/6 last time out.
- As has traditionally been their stance, they seem unlikely to make any kneejerk reactions and they will likely go with the same line-up in an attempt to allow their players to find form out in the middle.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
- Rajasthan Royals are level on points with Mumbai Indians so despite all the adversity they have faced so far in this edition with injuries and absentees, they are still being competitive and are challenging for the knockout phase.
- They picked up a valuable win last time out against Punjab Kings as their bowlers set them on their way by reducing the Kings to just 133/9 thanks to big-money signing Chris Morris picking up an impressive 4/23 but in truth, the entire bowling attack played their part.
- Since that game, they have lost another overseas player as Andrew Tye has returned to Australia so their options now are incredibly limited but that is another reason for them naming an unchanged side here.
THE PREDICTION
Both Mumbai and Rajasthan sit level on points with only net run rate separating them and the two teams have their own issues to contend with as they come into this crunch clash. It is the Royals who arguably have the more form players within their ranks but it is the Indians who have the greater quality. Whether they can step up now and improve their form remains to be seen as so many of their key men are not in form especially with the bat. The Royals’ bowling attack was exceptional last time out but it is surely a matter of time before Indians find some form. The small gap between matches may benefit them and allow them to regroup to raise their game here. Without any real confidence and nothing more than gut feel, the preference is Mumbai here to turn things around here and get the win.
