THE GAME:

The Wankhede stadium in Mumbai is set to the host the 1^st May clash between hosts Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals. These sides have been placed symmetrically in the points table. While one team is second from top, the other is second from bottom. It’s been two games in a succession for the Royals, where they haven’t been involved in an accomplished game. Their away outings against Kolkata and the Royal Challengers were washed out and they got away with shared points in both the games. With a pessimistic view, the Royals have been winless since the last four games. Before these no results, they lost to the Royal Challengers and the Kings XI in a super over.

The Royals just have to win two games from their remaining five to make it to the playoffs. But with other sides clicking on their days in T20 cricket, nothing can be taken for granted. In 2014 too, they were well placed to qualify, but then a sudden poor show from them sealed their exit. Mumbai Indians on the other hand have looked good ever since Mitchell McClaneghan made his way into the XI. The Kiwi pacer has taken a lot of pressure off Malinga, which has helped the latter. The hosts would want to win at their home as another loss could probably put them on the verge of elimination.

PREVIOUS CLASH:

The two sides in blue have locked horns with each other in this IPL once. The game was played on the 14^th of April at Motera. Mumbai Indians were put in to bat and got off to a disastrous start after opener Aaron Finch was injured. The visitors were completely out of the game at one stage at 45-3 in ten overs. But then, Pollard and Anderson scripted a memorable comeback. The two destructive men shared a partnership of 104 in just 9.1 overs. The hosts needed 165 to win and they looked comfortable getting there. Steve Smith played a blinder and was not out on 79 off 53 to guide the Royals home. They won with five balls to spare. Smith was awarded the Man of the Match for his fine knock.

KEY PLAYERS:

ROHIT SHARMA:

The elegant skipper of Mumbai Indians just loves the Wankhede stadium and his record there is outstanding. But Rohit has hardly fired against the Royals. In the previous outing against them, he was dismissed for a duck by Stuart Binny. Sharma would want to make it a big one and he has a perfect opportunity to do that.

MITCHELL McCLANEGHAN:

The Mumbai Indians have got to winning ways ever since this Kiwi pacer stormed his way into the side. He has supported Malinga efficiently and bowled really well. Like Starc, who has positively affected the Royal Challengers since his arrival, McClaneghan too has done a similar thing for the Mumbai Indians.

AJINKYA RAHANE:

The current holder of the Orange Cap would be eager to build on the runs at his actual home ground. With 323 runs in 8 games, he proudly wears the coveted orange cap. However, Rahane must ensure that he is free flowing from the word go. He hasn’t got an opportunity to bat since the last two games. Rahane must not make that factor play with his mindset and should express himself right from the beginning.

JAMES FAULKNER:

The Australian star all rounder has underperformed in this IPL so far. His bowling has been wayward and he has been very expensive. His back off the hand slower ones are looking ineffective as well. With the bat though, he hasn’t got ample opportunities. Faulkner is playing instead of Morris, as an overseas player, so he must perform at any cost.

PROBABLE XI:

MUMBAI INDIANS:

They are likely to retain their winning team.

1. L. Simmons 2. P. Patel 3. U. Chand 4. R. Sharma 5. A. Rayudu 6. K. Pollard 7. H. Singh 8. J. Suchith 9. L. Malinga 10. R. Vinaykumar 11. M. McClaneghan

RAJASTHAN ROYALS:

They too are not likely from their game against the Royal Challengers.

1. A. Rahane 2. S. Watson 3. S. Smith 4. S. Samson 5. K. Nair 6. J. Faulkner 7. D. Hooda 8. S. Binny 9. T. Southee 10. D. Kulkarni 11. P. Tambe