CL T20 preview: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals

Shane Watson

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Tag of ‘underdogs’ has followed Rajasthan Royals ever since their first competitive game in the Indian Premier League and it will be no different when they take the field against Mumbai Indians tomorrow. They have a good squad overall with all the paces covered in the batting as well as the bowling department.

So, it’s about getting their act together on the night that will win games for them, because, in the past, they seemed to capitulate under pressure when the situation demanded them to hold their nerve and that will once again be a factor in tomorrow’s high – profile game.

Players to watch out for in the RR squad:

• Stuart Binny

Binny has grown in stature in the last couple of IPL editions and his role as an all-rounder has served RR very well. Also, his flexibility to bat anywhere in the batting order will give Rahul Dravid a big weapon to unleash depending on the state of the game. Also, his gentle medium pace bowling could be of big help to RR if the pitch on offer turns out to be a dry one which could suit Binny’s style of bowling.

• Kevon Cooper

Cooper has been RR’s talisman ever since he was offered a contract at the Jaipur-based franchise. His deceptive bowling has caused problems to many an IPL side. Not to underestimate his handy batting skills that could get RR some vital runs during the slog overs. No wonder why, I would look to him as the possible game changer come tomorrow.

Strengths of Rajasthan Royals:

Playing at their home ground (Jaipur), which has been their fortress all these years, should stand them in good stead. They have churned out victories in streaks at this ground on a consistent basis and the nature of the wicket should suit them.

Presence of Watson at the top of the batting order and Hodge towards the latter end of the innings should intimidate Mumbai Indian’s bowling which is without the services of ‘Slinga’ Malinga.

Presence of all-rounders like Binny and Watson makes Rajasthan Royals formidable opponents, as a certain Watson or Binny could turn out to be match winners on their day and lack of such proven all-rounders in the MI setup should be of psychological advantage to RR.

Possible chinks in RR’s armor:

It is difficult to count the number of times RR squandered winning positions in the past and failed to close games out. It’s only inevitable that, they will be aware of this habit which could put unnecessary pressure on their shoulders.

Also, whenever RR failed to impress in the past, their team as a whole flopped miserably. Likes of Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane and Shaun Tait choked together and that didn’t augur well for the team. As far as RR is concerned, it’s more about conquering their mind more than anything else.

Having a look at the squad, it suggests to me that, it is too ‘fast bowling heavy’ and the lack of a proven quality spinner could play into the hands of Mumbai Indians.

Pitch Conditions:

The 22-yard-strip at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is batsmen friendly with good pace and bounce and to go with that, the lightning quick outfield should make it a high-scoring game. It’s difficult to think that dew would play a factor during this time of the season, which means it’s all down to meritorious cricket that should win the game.

MI Squad for clt20 2013:

Rohit Sharma (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Dwayne Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthick(WK), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Rishi Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Abu Nechim, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pragyan Ojha, Lasith Malinga and Akshar Patel.

RR Squad for clt20 2013:

Rahul Dravid (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Ashok Menaria, Dishant Yagnik(WK), Vikramjeet Malik, Rahul Shukla, Pravin Tambe, Siddarth Trivedi, Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, James Faulkner, Kevon Cooper and Shaun Tait.

My Verdict:

The toss shouldn’t be a factor and any side which wins the toss would want to bowl first and get a feel of the conditions. In the past, Jaipur has always favoured batting second as par totals have been difficult to defend. Mumbai Indians will start as favourites even though Rajasthan Royals are playing in their fortress, simply because of Mumbai’s confidence levels which must be sky high.

But, if Rajasthan Royals can get off to a good start, this could be a great game in the making.