IPL 2019: Smith-led Rajasthan opt to bowl against Mumbai at Jaipur

Back in action after serving a one-year ban, Smith replaced Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan skipper, hoping the mid-season switch will revive their disappointing campaign so far in the IPL

A struggling Rajasthan Royals skipper Steve Smith will hope to get the better of formidable Mumbai Indians once again in a return-leg IPL fixture as both teams lock horns at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur. Back in action after serving a one-year ban, Smith replaced Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan skipper, hoping the mid-season switch will revive their disappointing campaign so far in the IPL. It will be an uphill task for Rajasthan to get a win considering their dismal record at Jaipur. On the other hand, with a good mix of quality bowlers, batsmen and all-rounders, former champions Mumbai Indians would be eager to avenge their defeat to inch closer to the play-off berth. Coming to the Toss, newly appointed skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bowl against Rohit-led Mumbai at home. Royals make three big changes as Steven Smith, Ben Stokes and Riyan Parag replace Jos Buttler, Ish Sodhi and Rahul Tripathi in the playing XI.

The @rajasthanroyals Skipper @stevesmith49 wins the toss and elects to bowl first against the @mipaltan.#RRvMI pic.twitter.com/FZy4lbRtPi

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2019

"We'll bowl first as I'm not sure of the wicket, what it's going to do. Chasing would be a good option. Ajinkya has done a terrific job in the last one and a half year and the team management thinks there's a ned for a change.", said Smith. Mumbai makes one change in their squad as Mayank Markande is in for Jayant Yadav. "There's no grass on this side, bit of grass covering on the other side, looks a bit strange. I was going to bat first as well, because we have defended well as a team. It doesn't matter if we win games or lose games, there's always room for improvement.", said Sharma. Teams: Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Ben Cutting, Rahul Chahar, Mayank Markande, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Ajinkya Rahane, Steven Smith(c), Ben Stokes, Ashton Turner, Stuart Binny, Riyan Parag, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni.