Royals in Mumbai’s den

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Rajasthan Royals’ Shane Watson

Mumbai Indians will look to emulate Rajasthan Royals to finish with an unbeaten home run in this edition of the Indian Premier League. But to achieve that feat, they will have to beat impressive Royals when they meet here on Wednesday.

The hosts’ went atop with seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, and will look to end on a high at home. The Rohit Sharma-led side chased for the first time at Wankhede this season and were stuttering in the middle overs before Kieron Pollard got them over the line with a power packed half-century.
They will be tested if Sharma loses the toss again. Mumbai won the toss six times here and batted first. Sunrisers opted the same tactics on Monday. Even though the Rahul Dravid-led side like to chase but they too are unlikely to field first if they win the toss, despite the dew factor coming into play later in the second innings.
With Pollard coming back to form, the hosts’ middle order looks destructive with Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik doing consistently well. The openers have given steady starts but Dwayne Smith has struggled in last few games while Sachin Tendulkar has an injury concern.
Mitchell Johnson had a forgettable game against the Sunrisers but he remains a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians bowling line-up along with Lasith Malinga. Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha have done decently in the middle overs.
Having almost secured the playoff berth it remains to be seen whether both the teams will try their bench strength or retain the winning combination.
Both teams are on a four-match winning streak.
Royals who share 20 points with their opponents haven’t been great travelers despite their impressive run this season. But they boost of a solid batting line-up with Dravid and local boy Ajinkya Rahane opening the innings. Shane Watson has won them games on his own while Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny and Brad Hodge have chipped in with crucial knocks.
Mumbai were bundled out for 92 while chasing the Royals imposing score of 179/3 in their earlier clash in Jaipur. But the visitor’s might struggle a bit in the bowling department as Mumbai batsmen have hardly put a wrong foot down here. James Faulkner remains the key with the ball with Kevon Cooper, Watson and Binny for support. Siddharth Trivedi has enjoyed bowling here.
Royals will consider including left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh who knows this wicket well, having represented Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. Shaun Tait has been wayward, in and out of the side but after seeing the wicket, the visitors will be tempted to have look at him.