IPL 2026: Big Blow To DC As Mitchell Starc's Arrival Delayed; Return Date Revealed

RR vs MI Highlights: Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi Storm Seals Rain-Hit IPL 2026 Clash For Rajasthan

Suyash Sahay — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:28:57 +0530

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati in an IPL 2026 match whose start was significantly delayed due to rain. Eventually being reduced to 11 overs-a-side, Riyan Parag's Rajasthan were asked to bat first by Hardik Pandya's Mumbai. What followed was carnage by opening batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who propelled their team to a total that the opposition would be unable to chase, sealing 2 crucial points that have sent RR top of the table.

Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi Smash MI

Stepping in to bat for RR, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came out all guns blazing, smashing 22 runs in the first over itself. In the following over, delivered by Jasprit Bumrah, the 15-year old struck two sixes.

Yashasvi Jaiswal too joined the party, smashing boundaries for fun all around the ground.

They combined for a partnership of 80 runs as Sooryavanshi fell on 39 off 14, having hit five sixes and a solitary four.

Jaiswal would continue going hard, even as a few wickets fell around him, finishing the innings on the score of 77 off 32 deliveries, leaving Rajasthan at 150/3 runs in 11 overs.

Riyan Parag had partnered him close to the finish, hitting two sixes and a four in his 10-ball 20-run outing.

Mumbai Falter In Chase

When it came to the chase, MI never really got going. They lost their first wicket, Ryan Rickelton, at the score of 10 runs.

Rohit Sharma fell on 5, Suryakumar Yadav on 6, and Tilak Varma on 14. Even the captain, Hardik Pandya, only managed to score 9 runs.

At the end of 5 overs, half of the side was back in the dugout, with just 46 runs on the board.

RR's bowling unit kept things tight, and never let Mumbai settle in as the required run-rate kept on climbing with each passing delivery. There were some fireworks by Naman Dhir and Sherfane Rutherford, but that wouldn't be enough.

The match ended with MI standing at 123/9, 27 runs short of RR's score, their second defeat in three IPL 2026 matches.

Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Squad: Who Earns The Most?

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 20:59:49 +0530

RR IPL 2026 Highest Paid Players: The Rajasthan Royals lifted the IPL trophy in its inaugural season, but the title has eluded them ever since. Despite that, the franchise has consistently assembled a strong mix of proven performers and emerging talent. This season is no different, with the squad featuring key names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Royals have also made an impressive start to IPL 2026, registering back-to-back victories. With their latest fixture delayed due to rain, there’s a pause in the on-field action. In the meantime, here’s a look at the highest-paid players in the RR squad this season.

RR IPL 2026: Highest Paid Player

Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal is RR's highest paid player. He has spent a couple seasons with the franchsie, and currently is on a Rs 18 crore contract, which is the same as Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Indians (MI).

Next up is veteran cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded in from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. He is on a Rs 14 crore contract with the franchise.

It is worth noting that Dhruv Jurel, as well as Riyan Parag, the captain, are also on Rs 14 crore contracts with RR this season.

IPL 2026: RR Highest Paid Overseas Player

As far as overseas players are concerned, England fast bowler, Jofra Archer is paid the most, thanks to his Rs 12.50 crore contract. He is a key figure in the side, and is given the responsibility of delivering crucial overs.

After him in the order is West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer, with a Rs 11 crore contract.

Notably, Sam Curran, who was traded in alongside Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson, has a Rs 2.40 crore contract. However, he is yet to appear in a game this season.

Also Check: Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad: Top 5 Highest Earning Players

Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad: Top 5 Highest Earning Players

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 19:45:38 +0530

MI Top Paid Players: Mumbai Indians (MI) are the joint-most successful IPL team, having won five titles so far. They boast a solid core of experienced Indian cricketers, who are, naturally, among their top earning stars. The franchise had a positive start to this season, beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win their first opener since 2012, but then went on to lose against Delhi Capitals (DC). Their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) has been delayed due to rain, and as we wait for the action to commence, let's take a look at MI's top 5 highest paid players in IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: MI Top 5 Highest Paid Players

5) Trent Boult

New Zealand fast-bowler Trent Boult has a Rs 12.50 crore contract with the Mumbai Indians. He was a key figure in the franchise's last IPL-winning season, and still contributes immensely with his lethal deliveries.

4) Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the longest-serving and most succesful captain in MI's history is up next. He is being paid Rs 16.30 crore this season per his contract.

Despite his age and retirement from T20Is, he remains a undisputed in the side's top-order. He enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, smashing 78 off 38 deliveries in a massive 200+ run-chase against KKR.

3) Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has a Rs 16.35 crore contract with him. India's T20 captain has spent several seasons with the franchise, even winning a title, and is their third highest-paid player this year.

He was handed the captaincy in the absence of Hardik Pandya against DC, and while Mumbai would lose that match, Surya impressed with a knock of 51 off 36 deliveries.

2) Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, current captain of the Mumbai Indians, also has a Rs 16.35 crore contract in IPL 2026. Apart from his leadership, he contributes significantly with both, the bat and ball, and has been a key figure for the franchise for many years now.

1) Jasprit Bumrah

MI's highest-paid star is none other than Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose match-turning spells and ability to control the innings make him indispensable.

He is currently on a Rs 18 crore contract with the franchise.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Toss Result, Complete Playing XIs, & Key Match Updates

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 18:46:24 +0530

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Riyan Parag, are set to take on Mumbai Indians (MI), captained by Hardik Pandya, at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati. The former is riding positive momentum heading into the clash while the latter is coming off a defeat. Rajasthan has also won a match at this venue before this season, which would give them further confidence. Their players are in form, and look geared up to take on Mumbai's potent bowling attack.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Toss Updates

The toss for the RR vs MI IPL 2026 match has finally taken place after a prolonged rain-induced delay. MI's captain, Hardik Pandya, has won it and elected to bowl first.

The weather forecast for Guwahati had already indicated significant rain threat for this match. Bad weather had also impacted yesterday's match between KKR and PBKS, eventually resulting in it being called-off.

The match has now been reduced to 11 overs-a-side and is scheduled to start at 10:10 PM IST.

Here's the playing XI:

RR - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma

MI - Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

RR vs MI IPL Rivalry

The rivalry between RR and MI has been one of the most closely contested battles in the history of the IPL. Ahead of today's encounter, the two sides have met 31 times, reflecting long-standing and competitive dynamics.

Mumbai Indians hold a slender advantage in the head-to-head record, having secured 16 victories. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are not far behind with 14 wins, while one match between the two teams ended without a result.

The narrow margin between the two sides highlights just how evenly matched they have been over the years. As for more recent meetings, Mumbai have won three of the last five against Rajasthan.

Today's match is set to take place at the ACA Stadium, a venue where Rajasthan Royals registered a dominating win over CSK earlier this season, and with all that in play, this fixture promises plenty of excitement as both sides look to strengthen their position in the tournament.

RR vs MI: Will Rain Spoil IPL 2026 Clash In Guwahati? Check Weather Forecast

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 17:34:43 +0530

RR vs MI Rain Possibility: The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 showdown between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has generated plenty of buzz, but weather conditions in Guwahati could have a decisive say in how events unfold. With the match set to take place at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium, focus has shifted from team combinations to the possibility of rain interruptions. While fans are eagerly awaiting a high-quality contest between two competitive sides, the looming threat of rain has introduced uncertainty. Even a short delay could disrupt rhythm, forcing teams to rethink their plans mid-game.

RR vs MI: Rain Forecast Raises Concerns

As per AccuWeather predictions, there is a 75% probability of precipitation (rain) in Guwahati today, April 7. However, that drops to 9% in the evening, which seems a little more encouraging.

The RR vs MI clash is slated to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss expected around 7:00 PM IST. Any rain activity during this window could delay proceedings or reduce the number of overs, which would significantly impact team strategies.

Yesterday's KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026 match was completely washed out due to rain as well, but in Kolkata.

What Happens If RR vs MI Is Washed Out?

In the event that rain prevents a result, both teams will be awarded one point each, which was the case yesterday. While this ensures neither side walks away empty-handed, it may not be the ideal outcome in a tightly contested league.

Points dropped due to weather could prove costly later in the tournament, especially as teams battle for playoff qualification. With margins often razor-thin in the IPL standings, every point carries significant weight.

Where Do RR & MI Stand In IPL Points Table

Rajasthan Royals are currently third on the IPL 2026 points table with 4 points from 2 games.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, are currently sixth with 2 points from 2 games.

RR vs MI Head-To-Head: Complete Record Ahead Of IPL 2026 Clash

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:59:20 +0530

RR vs MI IPL Head-To-Head: Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to lock horns at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati today, April 7. This IPL 2026 clash will likely see Hardik Pandya return to lead the five-time champions against Riyan Parag's side. There is a big gap in the amount of experience between the two captains, but Parag has delivered impressive results so far in the tournament, and all the talent that either franchise boasts builds promise for an exciting fixture up ahead. But until then, let's take a look at what the RR vs MI head-to-head record says right now.

RR vs MI: IPL Head-To-Head Record

Here's a look the Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians head-to-head record in the IPL:

Matches Played - 31

MI Wins - 16

RR Wins - 14

No Result - 1

Additionally, in the last five meetings between the two teams, Mumbai have come out on top three times, giving them a psychological advantage heading into the next encounter.

As can be noted from the data above, MI lead the head-to-head charts, but only just. They are coming off a loss against Delhi Capitals (DC), in which their top-order failed to make any impact, a repeat of which could once again prove problematic.

On the flipside, RR has registered two solid victories heading into this game. They comprehensively beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) first, and then edged Gujarat Titants (GT) in a close match.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Match Time

The RR vs MI IPL 2026 match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST today.

The coin toss should be held half-an-hour prior, that is around 7:00 PM IST. It will also interesting to see if Hardik Pandya returns in action after missing MI's last game due to illness.

Check Out: RR vs MI IPL 2026: Will Hardik Pandya Return? Here's What We Know

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav Brings Back MS Dhoni Nostalgia With Stunning Helicopter Shot

Prateek Thakur — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 16:27:14 +0530

RR vs MI, IPL 2026: In the world of modern cricket, few sights are as electrifying as a batter channelling the spirit of a legend. During a practice session ahead of RR vs MI IPL 2026 encounter, Suryakumar Yadav did exactly that, sending social media into a frenzy with a perfectly executed "helicopter shot" that instantly evoked memories of the great MS Dhoni.

The Mumbai Indians' official Instagram handle shared the footage with the caption, "That 🚁 shot from 𝐒𝐊𝐘 😮‍💨🤌," and it has quickly become one of the cherished clips of the season.

SKY Channels Dhoni

While Suryakumar is world-renowned for his '360-degree' batting and audacious scoops over fine leg, the helicopter shot is a rare addition to his arsenal. Facing a pinpoint yorker, the temporary MI captain used his incredible wrist strength to whip the ball from the blockhole, with the signature follow-through flourish that made Dhoni a global icon.

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The video has triggered a wave of nostalgia among cricket fans.

Captaincy and Form: Leading by Example

The timing of this viral moment is significant. Suryakumar has recently taken on a larger leadership role within the Mumbai Indians camp.

On 4 April, in the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya, who missed the clash against Delhi Capitals due to illness, it was SKY who led the side at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Despite the pressure of captaincy, his batting remains as explosive as ever. He played a resilient knock of 51 off 36 balls in that fixture, proving that the additional responsibility has not dampened his flair.

With over 170 career IPL sixes, he is rapidly closing in on the legendary tallies of Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard in the MI record books.

Most Versatile Batter in the World?

The execution of the helicopter shot adds another layer to the argument that Suryakumar Yadav is the most versatile T20 batter in the history of the game. From the "Supla" shot to the "Helicopter," his ability to manipulate the field and manufacture boundaries from good deliveries remains unparalleled.

As the Mumbai Indians look to stabilise their IPL 2026 campaign, these moments of individual brilliance from their stand-in captain are providing the necessary spark to keep the fans and the opposition on the edge of their seats.

RR vs MI IPL 2026: Will Hardik Pandya Return? Here's What We Know

Suyash Sahay — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 15:55:24 +0530

Hardik Pandya Return Update: Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Hardik Pandya, missed the IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals (DC). Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav had revealed that he was 'not well' at the time. The five-time champions would go on to lose the match, beaten pretty comprehensively, and are now going to face Rajasthan Royals (RR), another very in-form team, which is why MI fans are a bit concerned, and wondering about when Pandya would be back. There is still a while before the playing combinations for tonight's clash are revealed, but Mumbai's bowling coach has provided a positive update.

Hardik Pandya Available For RR vs MI

Attending a pre-match press conference, MI's bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said this about Hardik Pandya:

"He will be available, he had a good couple of hours of net session yesterday. He is fit and fine. Just to clarify, Hardik wasn’t injured, he was unwell, that’s why he missed the game"

Having won, and lost one game so far in IPL 2026, Pandya swift return would be a major boost for the squad.

The Royals have a lethal batting lineup, especially at the top, featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and the teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, all of whom have been in smashing form so far.

RR vs MI: Head-To-Head Record

RR and MI have a close-fought rivalry in the IPL, having faced on 31 occasions ahead of their upcoming clash.

Out of these, Mumbai have won 16 times, while Rajasthan have come out on top 14 times, with one game ending without a result.

In their last five meetings, MI have won thrice. Given the talent on either side, the upcoming fixture looks pretty exciting to say the least. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST today, April 7, at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, where RR defeat CSK earlier this season.

Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Squad: Who Earns The Most?

ABP Live Sports — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 15:50:03 +0530

RR vs MI: IPL 2026- The Indian Premier League 2026 moves to its secondary home in the northeast as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) host the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the ACA Barsapara Stadium tonight. In a clash of heavyweights, the unbeaten Royals, led by local hero Riyan Parag, aim for a hat-trick of wins, while Hardik Pandya returns to lead a Mumbai side desperate to regain their clinical edge.

Rajasthan enters this fixture as one of the most balanced sides in the tournament, having successfully defended high totals in their opening games. Mumbai, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a recent defeat against the Delhi Capitals and stabilize their middle order.

RR vs MI Head-To-Head IPL Record

Historically, this rivalry is one of the most closely contested in the league. Out of the 32 matches played between the two franchises so far, the record is nearly identical, with Mumbai holding a razor-thin advantage.

Total Matches Played: 32

Mumbai Indians Won: 17

Rajasthan Royals Won: 15

Despite the historical edge for MI, Rajasthan has been dominant at their home venues in recent seasons. In 2026, the Royals look like a well-oiled machine, while Mumbai is still searching for the perfect combination in their bowling department, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah yet to find his usual wicket-taking rhythm this season.

Key Player Battles and Team News

The return of Hardik Pandya is the biggest boost for Mumbai Indians. After missing the last game due to illness, the captain is expected to replace Deepak Chahar, providing the necessary balance with both bat and ball.

For Rajasthan, the spotlight remains on 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive starts alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal have defined their campaign so far.

Mumbai Indians (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Tilak Varma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, Piyush Chawla.

Rajasthan Royals (Probable XI): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande.

Pitch Report: A Batter’s Paradise

The ACA Barsapara Stadium is traditionally known as a high-scoring ground with an average first-innings score of 189.

However, early trends in IPL 2026 suggest that the pitch offers significant swing under lights during the first few overs. With dew expected to play a major factor in the second half of the match, the toss will be crucial, and both captains are likely to opt for bowling first.

IPL 2026: Big Blow To DC As Mitchell Starc's Arrival Delayed; Return Date Revealed

Prateek Thakur — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 15:07:01 +0530

IPL 2026, DC vs GT- Mitchell Starc Set To Miss 3 Fixtures: The Delhi Capitals have been dealt a significant blow in the early stages of the IPL 2026 season. Star Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to miss the franchise's next three fixtures as he continues to recover from shoulder and elbow injuries. While the Capitals have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, the absence of their premier overseas pacer raises questions about their long-term stability.

According to a report in The Times Now, Starc is currently in Australia managing his rehabilitation. He is not expected to rejoin the squad until 20 April, making him unavailable for several high-profile encounters.

The Games Starc Will Miss

The timing of the injury is particularly difficult as the Capitals enter a dense period of the schedule. Starc will be sidelined for the following matches:

8 April: Against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

11 April: Against Chennai Super Kings.

18 April: Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The team management remains optimistic that the left-arm pacer will be fit for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21 April. Despite the lack of a definitive return date, his ongoing communication with the medical staff suggests a return later this month is the primary goal.

Delhi’s Bowling Unit Steps Up

While losing a player of Starc's calibre is a "massive blow," the Axar Patel-led side has shown remarkable depth.

The Capitals have secured victories in their opening two games against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, largely due to a disciplined collective bowling effort.

In Starc's absence, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have provided excellent control during the death overs.

Mukesh Kumar has remained sharp with the new ball, while the spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam has successfully stifled opposition batters during the middle phases.

Starc Responds to Media Scrutiny

The Australian veteran recently took to social media to address the nature of his injury and the public perception surrounding it.

Starc expressed frustration with what he described as "misinformed" commentary regarding his availability.

"Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in the Indian media, I am currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, the extent of which I did not know during the Australian summer," Starc stated.

His eventual return is expected to provide a massive psychological and tactical boost to a team that is already performing at a high level.

For now, the Capitals must rely on their domestic core and secondary overseas options to maintain their winning momentum in one of the most competitive IPL seasons to date.