IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians strongest predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals

Traditional IPL powerhouses and five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves in a known territory. The curse of reversals in the first few games of an IPL season hasn’t changed. Ahead of their first game at home in Mumbai, high-flying Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be licking their lips with anticipation.

With one more loss, the Mumbai Indians season could turn into an absolute disaster even before we have reached the halfway stages. The behind-the-scenes rumours about rifts and two camps existing haven’t helped matters. Hardik Pandya hasn’t had a great start to his Mumbai Indians return as a skipper.

The 30-year-old will be up against a Rajasthan Royals side that has won both their games.  The only saving grace for Mumbai Indians is that the Wankhede Stadium can act as a proverbial 12^th man. The noisy crowd in Mumbai could act as the much-needed tonic to revitalize the sagging spirits of the men in blue and gold.

Also Check: MI vs RR MPL Opinio Today's Prediction - Who will win?

Here is the probable playing XI of MI for the match against RR in IPL 2024, Match 14:

Openers – Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan

Rohit Sharma has continued his good form with the bat in the first two games of the IPL 2024 season. The veteran began the season with a knock of 43 runs against Gujarat Titans before scoring 26 against SRH. On Monday the former MI skipper will be back home in his turf where he would look to convert the starts he has been getting.

Ishan Kishan began his season with a duck before scoring a quick-fire 34 against SRH. The left-handed batter needs to ensure a huge season with the bat if he has to make it back to the national squad.  

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Middle-order – Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma

Young Naman Dhir has already stunned the crowd with his ability to showcase his flawless big-hitting. The 24-year-old has so far scored 50 runs with the bat at the number three spot which is usually occupied by Suryakumar Yadav. 

Tilak Varma has been the go-to man for Mumbai Indians ever since his debut during IPL 2024. Against Rajasthan Royals, the youngster will know he has a huge role to play with the bat if MI have to win their first game of the season.

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All-rounders – Hardik Pandya, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd

If there is one player who is going to face the heat it is none other Hardik Pandya. The MI skipper has to deliver both with the bat and ball to silence his critics. His form in the first two games hasn’t been encouraging to say the least.

Meanwhile, Tim David showcased his big-hitting skills during the massive run chase against SRH. The Australian star will be looking to repeat the heroics from last year against the same opponents. West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd came in as an impact player and scored 15 runs. The 29-year-old will be expected to contribute a lot to turn the season around.

Also Check: IPL 2024: RR Probable Playing XI against MI, Match 14

Bowlers- Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Kwena Maphaka

It was a tough day in the office for the MI bowlers against the rampaging SRH batters. Gerald Coetzee will be hungry to prove his mantle as a great young fast bowler for which he was brought by MI. Veteran spinner Piyush Chawla is also looking to find the form that saw him become Mumbai’s leading spinner last season. 

The onus of leading the attack will again fall onto the shoulders of Jasprit Bumrah. The 30-year-old has been the only Mumbai Indians bowler to leave the SRH game unscathed. Young Kwena Maphaka saw his debut game in the IPL turn into a nightmare. With his talent, it is a matter of time before the youngster finds his feet and shows his potential with the ball. 

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

IPL 2024: MI's Probable Playing XI against RR, Match 14

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kwena Maphaka 

Likely Impact Player

Vishnu Vinod