Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves at a familiar early-season crossroads. A dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) saw them end their first-match curse. However, it was followed by a flat performance against Delhi Capitals, where they looked short of balance without Hardik Pandya. Now, heading into Guwahati against an unbeaten Rajasthan Royals (RR) side, MI know they need to get their combination right.
RR have momentum. Two wins, a settled batting unit, and bowlers who have delivered in key moments. MI, on the other hand, are still searching for the right mix, especially with the ball. The biggest boost ahead of this game is the return of Hardik Pandya. The MI skipper missed the previous match due to illness but has rejoined the squad and is expected to walk straight back into the XI.
Hardik Pandya returns to restore MI’s balance
Hardik Pandya’s absence against Delhi exposed how dependent MI are on his all-round value. Without him, the side had to bring in Corbin Bosch and tweak the bowling combination, which never quite clicked. Mitchell Santner was also brought in. Basically, MI had to add two all-rounders to fill up Pandya’s role and yet MI were comprehensively beaten. Now, with Pandya fit again, MI can return to a more settled structure. He is likely to slot back in as the sixth bowling option and a basher in the middle order, which immediately gives the side more flexibility. Of course, he will lead the side as well.
His numbers against Rajasthan show how important it is for him to be on the field. Pandya has scored 506 runs against RR at an average of 72.28 and a strike rate of over 173, making him one of most reliable performers in this fixture. With Pandya coming back, Bosch is expected to make way. Trent Boult should also return to the XI, who should be given the brand new cherry. This will mean MI won’t be needing to use Jasprit Bumrah right from the start.
Catch Guwahati weather report here.
MI’s bowling combination under focus against in-form RR
MI’s bowling has not quite clicked yet this season. Bumrah has been economical but is still searching for his first wicket, while Mitchell Santner will do a steady job in the middle overs. However, opposition plays him out and does not let him get a wicket. Deepak Chahar played his first game of the season against DC and bowled well inside the powerplay. However, MI have a problem of having many new-ball bowlers. Chahar also goes for runs. So, against a prolific RR batting, you don’t need high-economy pacers.
Shardul Thakur is likely to retain his place after a strong showing earlier in the season, while Mayank Markande could continue as the second spin option despite a quiet start. He is under pressure, however, having gone wicketless and going at exactly two runs per ball so far.
The real test will come against RR’s top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have provided explosive starts, while Dhruv Jurel has been in great touch as well at No. 3. If MI do not strike early, they could find themselves chasing the game again. At Guwahati, there is also expected to be some help for fast bowlers early on due to moisture in the pitch. That makes the role of Boult, Pandya and Bumrah in the powerplay even more critical.
Strongest Mumbai Indians Playing XII vs RR
| S. No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma |
| 2 | Ryan Rickelton ✈️ (wk) |
| 3 | Suryakumar Yadav |
| 4 | Tilak Varma |
| 5 | Naman Dhir |
| 6 | Hardik Pandya (C) |
| 7 | Sherfane Rutherford ✈️ |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner ✈️ |
| 9 | Shardul Thakur |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah |
| 11 | Trent Boult ✈️ |
| 12 (Impact Sub) | Mayank Markande/Raghu Sharma |
Full Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for IPL 2026
Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande (traded), Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Shardul Thakur (traded), Sherfane Rutherford (traded), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Will Jacks, Danish Malewar (INR 30 lakh), Quinton de Kock (INR 1 Cr), Atharva Ankolekar (INR 30 lakh), Mayank Rawat (INR 30 lakh), Mohammad Izhar (INR 30 lakh)
Cricket
Predicted Mumbai Indians Playing XI vs RR: Is Hardik Pandya ready to play in Guwahati?
