Well-rested Mumbai Indians would seek to turn the tables on travel-weary Rajasthan Royals when the two former champions cross swords at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.
MI had lost to RR when the two met in the first leg encounter at Ahmedabad a fortnight ago and the game offers a chance to the hosts to avenge that defeat at home. Mumbai have enjoyed a well-needed short break after stopping Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low-scoring game through excellent seam bowling.
The Royals, on the other hand, would enter the game somewhat tired after being on the road to be involved in two consecutive rain abandoned matches: against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday and KKR on April 26.
The win over Sunrisers when they defended 157 courtesy lasith Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan has re-ignited MI’s hopes. However, they have issues to be sorted out. Mainly, the lack of a good opening combination between Parthiv Patel and lendl Simmons, who haven’t been convincing.
Royals too have some important issues. Their batsmen, including in-form Ajinkya Rahane, have not got a chance to go out and bat after their loss at home to RCB on April 24.