We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Batting first or second hasn’t really made much of a difference at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. The average first and second innings scores over the last three matches at this venue read 164 and 155 respectively.
Teams
Probable XI for Rajasthan: Jos Buttler*, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer*, Riyan Parag, Daryl Mitchell*, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult*, Kuldeep Sen, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal
Probable XI for Mumbai: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Dewald Brevis*, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Kieron Pollard*, Hrithik Shokeen, Daniel Sams/Tymal Mills*, Jaydev Unadkat, Riley Meredith*, Jasprit Bumrah
Power Players
Out of Jos Buttler’s three centuries in this edition, the first one came against Mumbai earlier in the competition. Regardless of the attack or conditions, his confident hitting has pushed him to pole position (499 runs at 71.29). His purple patch makes him the obvious choice as the fantasy cricket captain.
Three-fer, four-fer, and five-fer: Yuzvendra Chahal has bagged them all. In trying to bamboozle the batters, the cheeky leggie has become the leading wicket-taker (18 at 12.61) in this edition.
Smart Picks
Tilak Varma’s bold yet calculated play has been refreshing to watch. Barring the game against Bangalore, where he was run out, the southpaw has scored at least 20 in every other game till now. The Mumbai batter is averaging 45.
Kuldeep Sen’s inspiring spell of 4 for 20 in the last match will lift his confidence as he steps onto the park against Mumbai. While he can spray the ball and go for runs, he also has the ability to polish the tail in a jiffy.
Regardless of what the stats might indicate, Suryakumar Yadav is arguably the best player of spin bowling in India. His battle against the wily Rajasthan spinners R Ashwin and Chahal will make a compelling viewing. Mumbai might also push him up the order if the situation demands.
Riyan Parag has finally repaid the faith shown in him by the Rajasthan think tank. For 4 catches and a breezy knock of 56 against Bangalore, he was adjudged as the Player of the Match.
After going wicketless in the initial few games, Ravichandran Ashwin has responded with 6 scalps in his last three outings. Nonetheless, his partnership with Chahal is working like a dream for Rajasthan.
Sanju Samson has got starts in every game. Sadly, though, he has also been desperately finding ways to dismiss himself. His recent scores read 27, 46*, 38, 11, and 13.
Fantasy Flops
Historically, fantasy players have been handsomely rewarded by Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian T20 League. However, he has been a major disappointment this season (4 wickets). Shockingly, he has gone wicketless in five out of 8 games.
Form Concerns
Much of Mumbai’s slump can be attributed to the misfiring opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Although the diminutive wicketkeeper started with a bang (81* and 54), he has managed only 64 runs in the last 6 innings.
On the other hand, the Mumbai skipper is yet to register a half-century in this edition. He averages a mere 19 in 8 games.
Match Preview
Although there isn’t much difference in the head-to-head (Mumbai 14-13 Rajasthan) between the two sides, there is a stark contrast in how things have shaped up in this edition.
While Rajasthan have 12 points in 8 games, Mumbai have been knocked out of the tournament after losing eight matches on the bounce.
Mumbai are struggling in every department of the game and will be the underdogs when they take on a resurgent Rajasthan.
Time: 30 April, 7.30 PM IST