RR vs MI Match Preview: Will Hardik Pandya play? MI skipper returns to training
Rajasthan Royals, on a two-match winning streak, face a Mumbai Indians side seeking consistency. Mumbai Indian anticipate the return of captain Hardik Pandya, who missed their last game due to illness. Rajasthan Royals' confident batting unit will challenge Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, setting up a clash of momentum against experience.
GUWAHATI: It’s still early days in the season but Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians head into Tuesday’s clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on contrasting notes. The Royals have built early momentum with back-to-back wins while the five-time champions are searching for consistency after a sixwicket loss to Delhi Capitals, following a dominant opening victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW! Rajasthan began their campaign with a crushing win over Chennai Super Kings at their adopted home in Guwahati and followed it up with a nervy but smart victory over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Defending just 15 runs in the final two overs to seal a six-run win in the last game, the Riyan Parag-led side is brimming with confidence and will look to continue its winning run in its second outing here.
Mumbai, meanwhile, will be keen on the return of captain Hardik Pandya, who missed the previous match due to viral fever. With India T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as stand-in captain against Delhi, MI had to reshuffle their combination and looked slightly unsettled. Pandya has since rejoined training and is expected to return to the XI, though he skipped Monday’s session after practising on Sunday.
MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey sounded optimistic at the pre-match press conference. “Yes, he will be available for the game. He hit the nets for a couple of hours yesterday.