IPL 2022: Match 9 - Predicted Mumbai Indians Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ninth game of IPL 2022. MI will be coming into the game aiming a victory, after facing a loss against the Delhi Capitals (DC) whereas RR will be eyeing to continue their winning form, after defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Mumbai Indians’ first game wasn’t disappointing, as they managed to put a good score of 177 in 20 overs. However, the Rishabh Pant-led team snatched away victory at the last moment when their middle-order batters Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel displayed an outstanding performance with the bat to hand over MI their first defeat of the season.

Here’s the Predicted Playing XI for Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals

Openers: Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma

The MI openers created havoc with their batting in the first game and will look to continue doing so. Unless any injury, this batting duo will be irreplaceable for the team. While skipper Rohit missed out on a well-deserved half-century against DC, Kishan remained unbeaten till the end of their innings with a score of 81*(48).

Rohit hit four fours and two sixes in his score of 41(32), and Kishan hit 11 fours and a couple maximums. The duo can give their team a perfect start as they will be able to stand strong against all kind of bowlers, and add as many runs to the opening wicket as possible.

Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard

With the return of Suryakumar Yadav into the side, the MI batting line-up will now crack up. He was in great form before his injury for the Indian side as well as for his franchise. Suryakumar is one of the most dependable players in the batting order and will be able the lead the game from upfront.

Tilak Varma got his cap for MI in the first game and secured his place in the middle by showcasing a decent performance. Though his innings lasted for just 15 balls, he managed to hit three fours, taking his total to 22 runs before being dismissed.

Kieron Pollard is a known finisher. Though he couldn’t score much in the first game, he will not stop. He will look anchor the innings for the team under pressure when no one is able to, while his big shots and massive hits will be worth watching once he gets into his usual form.

All-rounders: Tim David, Daniel Sams, Murugan Ashwin

Tim David, the Singaporean cricketer, can hold the game with the bat as well as with the ball. He was a part of the first game as well but wasn’t given the ball. Instead, he was sent to bat in the middle-order, and in his short span of eight balls, he hit a huge maximum before being caught by Mandeep Singh off Khaleel Ahmed’s delivery.

Sams conceded 57 runs in four overs in the first game, but because of his all-around experience, he might be asked to continue in the team for the next game. Also, it was just his first game for the team, and one can not judge the player based on a single stint. If MI backs the player, there are chances of him displaying his top game.

Murugan Ashwin showcased a brilliant spell with the ball as he picked up two wickets in the four overs that he bowled, giving away just 14 runs. He helped his team dismiss top-order batters Tim Seifert and Mandeep Singh. His bowling in the powerplay will be crucial for the team.

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Tymal Mills, Basil Thampi

Bumrah remains to be an integral part of the team and will be, as usual, the leader of the bowling attack. He has given his team the breakthrough whenever they needed and will continue to keep up with his performance. His spell in the first match was not a great one, but he has the ability to destroy the opposition’s batting line-up.

Tymal Mills picked up his first wicket in IPL 2022 in his first game with the Mumbai Indians. He is known as the death-over specialist and will be able to break the partnerships between the batters. Since 2018, Mills has picked 42 wickets in overs 16-20 at an average of 14.83 and an economy rate of 7.78.

Basil Thampi proved to be an important asset for his team as his three-for in the first game and helped MI almost win the game. His efforts were top-notch as he dismissed players like Prithvi Shaw, Rovman Powell, and Shardul Thakur to put a halt at DC’s innings.