Image Credit- BCCI
In the IPL, the
Mumbai Indians usually get off to a lacklustre start before gaining significant
traction in the final stretch. The Rajasthan Royals typically take the opposite
tack. As a result, games involving these two clubs, particularly at Wankhede Stadium,
can take on importance that defines the entire season. Recall the moment when
Tim David defeated Jason Holder 6–6, 6 in 2014, or when Rahul Dravid threw away
his cap in the previous year.
Even though the IPL 2024 season is still early, there is something familiar
about the lead-up to this match. Mumbai has suffered two losses and the Royals
have won their last two games in a row.
Given the quality of
their squad, you can expect Mumbai to get going quickly. Returning to the
comfortable confines of the Wankhede will also help them in a season where home
teams will likely dominate (new captain Hardik Pandya in particular will be hoping
for a similar atmosphere). They will be reminding themselves that they should
have most likely defeated Gujarat Titans in their season-opening match, and
they will find solace in the fact that they gave Sunrisers Hyderabad a serious
fright when trying to chase down an absurd 278.
The Royals, on the
other hand, have won two satisfying games. They were placed under duress but
were able to prevail against the Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals thanks
in large part to the performances of their middle order and death bowlers. They
haven’t faced a team with the same amount of hitting power as Mumbai, though,
so it might put their bowling and batting depth to the test, as well as their
Impact Player approach.
Thus, these are two
strong teams that could both advance far in the competition. Although Mumbai
has a history of rallying from bad starts, you can’t read too much into their
performances at this point. They will be keen to avoid suffering a third straight
loss.