IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals' strongest predicted playing XI against Mumbai Indians

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will be facing each other in the 38th match of the IPL 2024. Both teams would be high on confidence following their thrilling wins in their most recent matches. RR scripted history against KKR by chasing the joint-highest score in the history of the league. Jos Buttler pulled off a terrific win for his side by scoring a hundred. Despite being out of the game for most parts, RR managed to pull off an insane win.

On the other hand, MI won the match against PBKS by just nine runs. A great bowling spell from Jasprit Bumrah with the assistance of Gerald Coetzee from the other end helped the five-time champions to overcome the home side. Despite the valiant efforts from Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, PBKS fell short. RR and MI have been involved in some great matches in the league. Notably, in 2023, both teams took part in the 1000th match of the league.

Arguably the greatest IPL match featured these two teams in 2014 which decided the fate of their qualification for the playoffs. Fans would hope to witness something similar on the April 22, 2024. The match between the two sides is set to take place at 7:30 PM (IST) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. RR has a good record at the venue which might give them a slight edge. One can expect a good contest between bat and ball given the nature of the wicket. 

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of RR for the 38th match of the IPL 2024 against MI -

Openers - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler

At the top of the order, RR has the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler. The left-right combination is an advantage for the side. However, Jaiswal has not been able to fire with the bat so far. The youngster rocked in the last season where he scored over 620 runs. This season, the Southpaw has not been able to convert starts to big knocks. Despite his failures, RR has managed to keep the winning momentum going. Yashasvi would love to return to form against MI.

At the other end, RR has Jos Buttler. The star batter smashed an impressive hundred while chasing 224 against KKR. It helped the visiting side to beat the two-time champions in the last over in a thrilling game. The English batter has a good record over Mumbai Indians in the league. If he can replicate his past success against MI, things will get difficult for RR. In case Jaiswal fails in the match against MI, Tanush Kotian or Kohler-Cadmore might be given a brief run.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs - Orange Cap Updated List

Middle Order - Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Rovman Powell

After the openers, RR has a talented set of batters. The skipper will bat at number 3. In the last two games, he has not fired as well as he would have liked. The right-handed batter would also keep the wickets for his side. To follow him, RR has Shimron Hetmyer who has not had a great tournament either. The Southpaw did win the match against PBKS. However, the West Indian has not performed consistently for his side. It is a concern for the home side. 

Dhruv Jurel has been woefully out of form in the ongoing league. The young batter can change the complexion of a match in a matter of a few overs. However, given his injury, it will be a bit too much to expect him to be the game-changer. RR unleashed Rovman Powell in the game against KKR. It was rewarding as the Carribean smashed 26(13) and shifted the momentum towards RR's favor. He smashed a bowler like Sunil Narine to put pressure on the home side.

All-Rounders - Riyan Parag and Ravichandran Ashwin

RR has a couple of good all-rounders in their lineup. Riyan Parag has been brilliant as a batter so far. He can be handy with the ball, though RR has not required his services with the ball so far. Even as a fielder, he is good and can take brilliant catches. In the lower middle order, RR has Ravichandran Ashwin. He does not have a fixed position in the team, as the management has often used him as a floater. For different scenarios, he has batted in different positions.

With the ball, he has been economical. It has allowed other bowlers to take wickets from their end. In the last match, Ashwin was hammered by Sunil Narine. The experienced bowler would like to make a return by bowling economical spells. If the batters wish to take risks, Ashwin can be deadly by claiming wickets. RR has some good options in the all-rounders department. Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreira are in the squad but have not gotten chances to prove themselves.

Also Check: RR vs MI Live Score, Match 38

Bowlers - Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Sen (Impact substitute)

RR has arguably the best bowling lineup in the ongoing season. With the new ball, they have a potent pacer like Trent Boult who can claim wickets more often than not in the powerplay overs. If there is some swing, he becomes deadly. To partner him with the new ball has been Avesh Khan. He has bowled well in different phases. Avesh can claim wickets. The right-arm pacer additionally handles death bowling of RR, which is one of the most difficult tasks for a cricketer. 

In the middle overs phase, RR has the experience of Yuzvendra Chahal. The right-arm spinner can take wickets from his end. In some instances, he might go expensive but ensures to take big wickets and break growing partnerships. To assist him at the other end would be Kuldeep Sen. The impact substitute can swing the ball early in the innings. In the middle overs, he can be handy with his pace and trouble the batters. Ashwin will also be useful in the middle overs.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets - Purple Cap Updated List

RR's predicted XI against MI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact substitute - Kuldeep Sen