Leans for the IPL: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians
Won’t have any official plays on this game, but I’ll share my thoughts and how I think the game might go, and players to keep an eye on.
Mumbai come in as 1.72 favourites despite being 0-2, whilst the Royals are undefeated.
That comes despite RR openers Jaiswal and Buttler both misfiring so far.
Jaiswal: 24 (12 balls), 5 (7 balls)
Buttler: 11 (9 balls), 11 (16 balls)
But the game against Mumbai presents an ideal opportunity for (at least one of) them to reverse their fortunes.
Here’s why…
Jaiswal plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket – he probably has the most useful experience of any RR player coming into this fixture. His top score in his IPL career came in Mumbai – 124 which he scored last season. He is averaging 54.5 runs at a strike rate of 173. An incredible record at the Wankhede which is difficult to ignore.
Buttler, too, has valuable experience in Mumbai, having played at the Wankhede 22 times in the IPL! He’s averaging 35.9 runs at a 144 strike rate – impressive numbers over a decent sample.
Excluding Bumrah, MI bowlers have been expensive so far this tournament, possibly lacking confidence coming into this off after conceding 278 runs to SRH. Although SRH have a formidable batting unit, who all seem to be in top form, conceding such a total will surely sting, and Hardik Pandya has faced a barrage of criticism since adopting the captaincy.
Wankhede Stadium too, has been one historically for backing runs. The Wankhede saw the highest run-rate of over 10 runs per over in IPL 2023, particularly unfavourable to the pacers. The flat track and short boundaries provide a real edge for batsmen, and keeps eyes fixated on the overs.
Also (incoming gambler’s fallacy…), both batsmen are due a big score. RR have been carried so far by their lower order, it’s time for Jaiswal and Buttler to share the burden.
My leans for this are:
- Buttler O28.5 Runs (1.83)
- Jaiswal O28.5 Runs (1.83)
- Rajasthan Royals Highest Opening Partnership (1.8)
- Top Batsman: Buttler (5.0)
- Top Batsman: Jaiswal (5.0)
Really looking forward to this game, has the potential to be pure entertainment. There’s enough disconfirming evidence for me not to play any of these, so I’ll leave them as leans, and opt to watch the game to collect data for the future. Best of luck if going for anything!
