Defending Champions Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have everything to play for when they lock horns on October 6 (Tuesday) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. While Mumbai will aim to slot back to the top of the points table, Rajasthan will have to buck up to be in the top half of the chart.
After a couple of hiccups in the initial stages of IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians have looked like a settled side. They have hit the right combinations and every player has stood up to the task whenever needed. The advantage has been the form of Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya’s form with the bat.
Pollard has brought his experience to the table covering up Hardik Pandya’s absence with the ball. The addition of James Pattinson as Lasith Malinga’s replacement has worked wonders for Mumbai Indians, who will be desperate for their fourth win of IPL 2020.
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Speaking of Rajasthan Royals, they have a lot of catching up to do. Despite winning their first two games, they find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Jos Buttler hasn’t hit the right form while Steve Smith has also remained largely inconsistent.
But it has hardly mattered as others have contributed to the cause. But it will require a combined effort from all fronts to topple a heavyweight side like Mumbai Indians.
IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals on October 6 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi starting from 7:30 PM IST
Pitch Conditions
Dew has been one of the most debated topics so far in IPL 2020. Teams are yet to figure out whether to bat first or chase in Abu Dhabi. Long boundaries will augur well for the bowlers and will be challenging for the players.
The temperatures will hover around the mid-30s which is likely to take a toll on the player’s fitness.
Predicted Playing XI
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, James Pattinson, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
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Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal/Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (c), Riyan Parag. Mahipal Lomror, Tom Curran, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat/Varun Aaron
Match Predictions – Who will win the match?
Since Rajasthan Royals returned to IPL in 2018, they have defeated Mumbai Indians on all four occasions. They will be desperate to keep their records intact when they play against the defending champions.
However, despite all the statistics and records going against their way, Mumbai will be the firm favourites to win this game considering their recent performances.
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