Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Live On: Star sports
The Indian Premier League serves up another intriguing contest as the Rajasthan Royals host the in-form Mumbai Indians in Jaipur. With the race for playoff spots heating up, both sides have plenty riding on this clash — one team fighting for survival, the other looking to assert dominance.
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Royals Riding a New Wave
Rajasthan Royals stunned everyone in their last outing by chasing down a daunting target, and the headlines were stolen by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed the second-fastest century in IPL history. It was the kind of innings that turns doubters into believers. His arrival may force a reshuffle, even sidelining regular skipper Sanju Samson, fitness permitting.
With playoff qualification hanging by a thread, Rajasthan need to win every remaining game. There’s urgency — but also, momentum.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma (Impact Sub: Dubey), Yudhvir Singh
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Mumbai’s Machine in Full Flow
The Mumbai Indians look increasingly like the title contenders they’re known to be. Backed by five consecutive wins, their lineup seems to be clicking in all departments. Rohit Sharma is among the runs, the middle order is rotating smoothly, and most importantly, Jasprit Bumrah is back — sharp and firing.
South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch added versatility in the last match, and with depth in both batting and bowling, Mumbai appear more complete with every game.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (Impact Sub: Jasprit Bumrah), Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma
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Pitch Watch: Jaipur – A Puzzle Unfolding
Traditionally, Jaipur’s surface is sluggish and low-scoring — a haven for spinners and seamers who hit the deck. But the last match flipped the script. Rajasthan chased 209 inside 16 overs — a run-fest that defied expectations. Was it a one-off, or a sign of a more batting-friendly track?
Caution is advised. The track used for the previous game might be repeated, possibly in a more worn state. Early overs will be crucial to determine how the surface is behaving.
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Players to Keep an Eye On
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: His fearless ton lit up the last game — all eyes will be on whether he can deliver again.
Riyan Parag: In fine touch this season; his consistency in the middle order could be a key factor.
Hardik Pandya: Quiet so far with the bat, but matches like these often bring out his best.
Jasprit Bumrah: With his pace and control back, he could prove decisive on any surface.
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What’s at Stake?
The Royals have a surprisingly strong recent record against Mumbai — winning 8 of the last 13 encounters. With home advantage, rising confidence, and the spark of youth, they won’t be easy to roll over. On the other hand, Mumbai’s machine is purring, and they’ll want to maintain their grip at the top.
Expect a gripping contest packed with narratives, rising stars, and possibly, a new twist in the tale
