The Mumbai Indians side is all set to take on the Rajasthan Royals at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Looking at both sides, Rohit Sharma’s MI has been on a winning streak looking for a hat-trick win, whereas, Steve Smith’s RR has been finding it difficult to cross the winning line outside Sharjah.
Rajasthan Royals haven’t looked in the same form as they were seen in the first two matches with the bat. They’ve lost both the matches outside Sharjah and are currently placed fifth in the points table. Mumbai Indians is looking top-notch in IPL 2020 thus far, they are showing what they’re capable to do with the bat in the death overs, delivering results consistently.
They are currently placed second in the points table due to steller shows with the bat by Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya and some commendable bowling performances by Trent Boult and James Pattinson.
With the match expected to be an ultimate clash between both the western teams, let’s take a look at the five key players we should watch out for in this game.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Match 20 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals – Fantasy Tips & Predicted XI
Let’s take a look at the top 5 key players we should watch out for when Mumbai Indians lock horns with Rajasthan Royals:
1. Rohit Sharma
The MI skipper, Rohit ‘Hitman’ Sharma, famous for his short-arm pulls off the front foot, is excited to unleash his power shots from the front for his team. The last time he played at Abu Dhabi, he scored a mammoth 80(54) runs which became an important contribution for the team’s 49 run win against Kolkata Knight Riders, eventually making him the deserving Man of the Match for the night.
After missing out on the last game, the Mumbai Indians skipper will be keen to put runs under his belt as they aim to go on top of the points table.
2. Sanju Samson
The Young bloke has been on fire ever since this edition of IPL has begun. He has been the leading run-scorers for his team and is paying off the immense hard work he did during the lockdown.
The last two games haven’t been as productive for him, as compared to the earlier ones in Sharjah. Still, his form makes him a definite contender to be on this list, as he surely will be looking for a comeback.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Playing a handy role with his skipper, Rohit Sharma, the last time they played at Abu Dhabi. He has been knocking the ball decently and looks eager to start smashing it. But as far as his form is considered, Surya Kumar Yadav hasn’t really got hold of a big inning so far in this tournament.
When we compare his performance from 2019, there has been a certain dip in form this season. He’s only managed to score 101 runs in 4 games this year compared to 424 runs last season at an average of 32.61.
Also Read: IPL 2020: R Ashwin Warns About ‘Mankading’ on Twitter, Tags DC Coach Ricky Ponting
Even though he hasn’t been among the runs we believe a player like Surya Kumar Yadav can never be counted out. Which is why we should have all our eyes on him as big innings from the man from Mumbai is not far away.
4. Jos Buttler
The classy English wicket-keeper batsman arrived little late to the party and is yet to show-off the things he is capable of. He has played two matches so far but hasn’t really contributed much to the side. Even though he looks in a solid touch he hasn’t been able to put up a big score this season.
Though with the calibre Jos possesses we might just expect a big inning from the man from England very soon. Which is why it’s going to be an interesting battle upfront with him facing the undisputed pace attack of Mumbai Indians.
5. Trent Boult
The NZ pacer brings in the pace with James Pattinson and death overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah, making Mumbai Indians’ pace bowling extremely strong this season. The speedster was the man of the match in the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad where he picked two wickets at crucial stages of the game.
Boult is the leading wicket-taker for Mumbai and one of the strong Purple-Cap contenders for the tournament as well. So far in this tournament, Boult has 8 wickets to his name in this tournament which is why he’s an exciting bowler to watch out for.