Mumbai Indians' must-win game at home to keep hopes alive for playoffs   

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Our Predictions 

• Rajasthan's batsmen Jos Buttler, Jaiswal, Hetymer, and Sampson have made close to 1000 runs between them 
• Rajasthan Royals' bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have 23 wickets between them 
• Mumbai Indians' bowling attack is low on confidence after conceding 207 and 214 in the last two games 

MATCH PREVIEW     

Mumbai Indians need to come out of their inconsistent run as they take on the Rajasthan Royals at home in the 42nd game of the Indian Premier League 2023. The five-time champions come here with back-to-back losses, and their bowling attack has been unimpressive. They must get their acts together to defeat the table toppers. The Royals look in excellent form and ride on the back of strong performances from their top order. Mumbai Indians have a good record at this venue, and it will make this game interesting.  

Mumbai Indians Preview     

It will be a very important game for Rohit Sharma's side. The top order has been inconsistent, and the bowling attack lacks teeth. They bowled miserably in the last game against the Gujarat Titans to go down by 55 runs. One more loss will make it difficult for them to reach the playoffs. They have done well against Rajasthan in the last three seasons, with a 4-2 record in the last six games. Sharma would like his players to take inspiration from those victories.  

Rohit Sharma has had a poor season, with just 181 runs in seven games. He must set the ball rolling with Ishan Kishan at the top. Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav have been on and off with the form, and they must do well in the middle order with Tilak Varma. The side lacks depth in batting, and they will need a good show from Tim David, who can strike the ball hard.  

The bowling attack has been in shambles, and no bowler has threatened the opposition so far in the season. Arjun Tendulkar and Jason Behrendorff must get early wickets as RR batsmen are in excellent form. Piyush Chawla has been the lone performer and must do well in the middle overs. Green, Riley Meredith, and Kumar Kartikeya must get the lines right for the side to win here.  

Expected Starting XI for Mumbai Indians     

Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Riley Meredith, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Arjun Tendulkar, Kumar Kartikeya, Tilak Varma (Impact Player)  

Rajasthan Royals Preview     

Sanju Samson will be happy with the way his side has done. They are high on confidence, and we saw glimpses of that in their 32-run win against the Chennai Super Kings. The top order is putting runs on the board, and the spinners are troubling opponents. Sampson would like to continue with the same script as they look to take steps toward a berth in the playoff.  

Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have made more than 500 runs. The pair will look to deliver an electrifying start. Sampson and Shimron Hetmyer have been the pillar of strength in the middle order, and they will like to build partnerships with Devdutt Padikkal. They enjoy depth in batting and shall expect runs from Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Dhruv Jurel.  

Sandeep Sharma and Kuldip Yadav will aim for early wickets as Mumbai's top order has looked rusty in most games the side has played. Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, and Yuzvendra Chahal form a strong spin attack, and they will look to bring their experience to play and deliver blows to Mumbai. With Holder in the mix, Rajasthan has the right balance in the attack.  

Expected Starting XI for Rajasthan Royals     

Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Jason Holder, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldip Yadav (Impact Player)  

TOSS: To Bowl First      

We have seen two high-scoring games at this venue, and setting up a winning total is a big challenge here as the pitch stays good even in the second innings. The captains would have this in their mind at the toss, and the one winning is likely to opt for bowling first in this game.     

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The skies over Mumbai will be clear on April 30, and like the previous games, we expect this one to be a high scoring one. There isn't much for the bowlers on this surface. The ball comes to the bat with an even bounce and pace. The side batting first in this game would aim for 200 runs to feel confident.    

OUR PREDICTION      

Mumbai Indians must rise out of their slumber. Their top order has to deliver and show consistency. The bowling attack has failed to execute its plans and needs to come up with a stronger performance. The Royals have been winning with all guns blazing. The top order has made runs, and their bowlers have complimented the batters. Considering form and confidence in the two camps. Rajasthan will have the edge.  

Our Prediction is for Rajasthan Royals to win