The last time they met at Mumbai, Royals gave a grand farewell to their legendary captain Shane Warne by registering 10-wicket win, after making MI nervous by humiliating them at home. But, now MI would seek revenge of the humiliation with a stronger team. Rahul’s boys are on a roll, and third consecutive win would turn them into top contender for semifinals.
History
They have played 8 matches and with one match abandoned in 2009, RR leads 4-3.
MI has defeated Royals even in 2008, when they won record number of matches on their way to championship victory. MI defeated Royals in last edition too, in both the group matches, when Indians entered the final, and lost, for the first time in their history. But Royals trounced MI at Jaipur and also in Mumbai in 2011.
Head-to-Head: RR 4, MI 3
2008
- MI def RR by 7 Wickets
RR def MI by 5 Wickets
2009
- MI vs RR NR
RR def MI by 2 Runs
2010
- MI def RR by 4 Runs
MI def RR by 37 Runs
2011
2008 Performance
On their way to championship RR won record 13 matches and lost just 3.
In 2008, MI won 7 and lost 7 too.
2009 Performance
South Africa did not suit them and they managed just 5 wins, Lost 8, and 1 was abandoned.
In 2009, MI won 5 and lost 8, with one match abandoned.
2010 Performance
RR again failed to enter knockout and could win only 6 and Lost 8 matches.
In 2010 they were extremely successful winning 11 and losing only 4.
2011 Performance
MI finished third, despite two record thrashing by RR, winning 10 and losing 6.
RR finished 6th winning 6, losing 7 and drawing one.
Overall Performance
RR has a positive win loss ratio, making them one of the successful teams of IPL in last three editions. They have Won 32, Lost 26, and two matches were abandoned.
Mumbai Indians have the best team record, after CSK with 33 Wins, 31 Losses, 1 NR.
2010 and 2011 knock out entries have made them one of the top 5 teams of the tournament with a positive win-loss ration in last three editions. Sachin Tendulkar, their captain, was adjudged Man of the Series, despite losing the final in 2010.
Who Will Win Today!
Royals leads Mumbai Indians in Head-to-Head matches with the two wins registered during last edition. But, they know 2012 is not the same. Warne is missing, and more than that their star performer in both victories, Shane Watson is yet to join them. Yet, they feel confident because of their last two victories. Dravid is doing the right things. Against Mumbai Indians playing at Mumbai will be his big test.
Mumbai Indians have IPLs top 4 bowlers at service, and top pinch hitters too. Yet, their batting has been sloppy and a quality bowling may expose their weakness more.
Rajasthan Royals have the quality bowling and their batsmen are capable of scoring 150-odd runs, which their bowling has the capability to defend. They have already defeated Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the strongest teams of 2012. Now, it is the turn of Mumbai Indians.
If Sachin plays, MI stands a chance, otherwise it will be Dravid’s show.
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