The defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on the Rajasthan Royals in the second match of IPL-13 on Sunday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Mumbai are currently on the top of the points table with 14 points after seven wins and three defeats in 10 matches. If Mumbai manages to win tonight, they will get the valuable two points that will ensure a spot for them in the playoffs with 16 points.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals are in seventh place in IPL 2020 points table with eight points from four matches, with four wins and seven defeats. A win in this match will keep them in the playoff race but to qualify it is necessary that they win all the remaining matches. Also, Rajasthan's spot in playoffs will also depend on the performance of the other teams.
Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings in their last match and seeing the kind of performance they are doing, it is unlikely that a volatile team like Rajasthan will be able to stand up to them.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma did not play in the last match and it was Kieron Pollard who replaced him as skipper. Rohit was rested in the last match and it is expected that he will take the field today against Rajasthan.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma did not play in the last match and it was Kieron Pollard who replaced him as skipper. Rohit was rested in the last match and it is expected that he will take the field today against Rajasthan.
After Rohit's arrival, it is certain that Sourav Tiwari will be benched for tonight's game. Apart from this, there is no possibility of any change in the team of Mumbai.
The opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma have been scoring brilliantly throughout the season. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav have strengthened the middle order and towards the end are Pollard, Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal Pandya.
On the other hand, if we talk about Rajasthan, then Ben Stokes' form is a matter of concern for the team. He has been batting as an opener for Rajasthan so far. Maybe the team management will try him in the middle order tonight and send Jose Butler to start the innings with veteran Robin Uthappa.
Apart from these two, the team will also expect some valuable contribution from captain Steve Smith, Sanju Samson. Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag will also be expected to perform well.
In Rajasthan bowling, a lot will depend on Jofra Archer and Karthik Tyagi. Both of these have handled Rajasthan's bowling well so far and it is expected that they will do well for the team in the coming matches as well.
In Rajasthan bowling, a lot will depend on Jofra Archer and Karthik Tyagi. Both of these have handled Rajasthan's bowling well so far and it is expected that they will do well for the team in the coming matches as well.