IPL 2021: Match 51 RR vs MI Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

Two teams whose playoff qualification hopes are still hanging by a thread will clash with each other in the 51st match of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are placed at the bottom half of the points table, are tied at 10 points each from 12 matches, and are desperately in need of a victory.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have failed to ‘show up’ in the 2nd leg of the IPL. The five-time champions have managed to post just a solitary win in 5 matches in the deserts of the UAE, and are occupying 7th place in the table.

The Mumbai batting lineup has blown hot and cold this season. Even though the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock have provided decent starts at the top of the order, the Mumbai middle order has been wobbly. Suryakumar Yadav averages a paltry 18.50 in the 2021 IPL season, and the Rohit Sharma-led outfit would need a good contribution from the right-hander in the match against Rajasthan.

Even though Saurabh Tiwary has been amongst the runs, the left-hander has been striking at less than 120 in the second half. Kieron Pollard has played handy cameos but is yet to get back to his old destructive self that made him a terror for the opposition. The same is the case with Hardik Pandya as well.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah has been amongst the wickets and has prized out 17 willow wielders at an average of 21.00. Trent Boult has taken just 4 wickets in 5 matches in the UAE leg and has also leaked a lot of runs as well.

Rahul Chahar too, has picked up just 2 wickets in 4 matches. The same has been the case with Krunal Pandya (2 wickets in 5 games). And, the inability to pick wickets with the ball has hurt the Mumbai side.

Rajasthan Royals too, have depended only on their top order for runs. Evin Lewis and Yashasvi Jaiswal have provided electric starts for the ‘Men in Pink’ at the top of the order. While Lewis has scored 127 runs in the IPL second leg at a colossal strike rate of 171.62, Jaiswal has plundered 237 runs at a strike rate in excess of 150 in the 14th IPL season.

Sanju Samson has been in rollicking form as well. The right-hander has amassed 480 runs in the 14th IPL season and has scored his runs at an average of 48.00. The Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) middle order needs to step up. The addition of Shivam Dube has come as a blessing for RR as the left-hander pounded his way to a 42-ball 64* against Chennai in RR’s previous match, and played a key role in helping the Rajasthan side make a mockery of a target of 190 set by the Chennai side.

David Miller has failed to get going in the IPL this year, while Rahul Tewatia too, has not been amongst the runs. The Rajasthan bowlers have not been amongst the wickets in the last 3 matches as well. In fact, in the last 3 matches combined, the RR bowlers have taken just 10 wickets.

So, everything is at stake for both teams. A must-win situation for both sides. Who will absorb the pressure better? Which of these two teams will still keep their playoff hopes alive?

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Sharjah has not been the easiest to score runs. The ball has stopped on the batsmen, and the wicket has been on the slower side. The batsmen need to get themselves in, and then take advantage of the shorter boundaries.

Playing Combinations for RR vs MI

Rajasthan Royals

After a dominating win over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Rajasthan Royals are not expected to make any changes to their playing XI for the match against MI.

Predicted XI: Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shivam Dube, Glenn Phillips, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Akash Singh, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman

Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians are also expected to field the same playing XI from their previous match.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Saurabh Tiwary, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

RR vs MI Head-to-Head

Played – 24| Rajasthan Royals – 11 | Mumbai Indians – 12 | N/R – 1

RR vs MI Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 07:30 PM IST

TV – Star Sports Network

Live Streaming – Disney+Hotstar