Nandre Burger vs Rovman Powell - who should RR pick as their fourth overseas player for IPL 2024 clash vs MI?

The IPL 2024 bandwagon rolls on with another mouthwatering contest on offer when the in-form Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on the inconsistent Mumbai Indians (MI) in Jaipur on April 22.

RR have been the team of the tournament so far, winning six out of their seven games, to be atop the points table. Meanwhile, MI have started their comeback after losing a hattrick of games to the start IPL 2024. Yet, they are still languishing in seventh place on the standings with three wins in seven outings.

While RR can gain a stranglehold on a top-two finish with a win tonight, the contest holds far more significance for MI. Yet, Sanju Samson's side will do well to remember their collapse after a similarly spectacular start last season and should look to guard against complacency.

As they go for a seventh win in eight matches, RR have a selection issue to ponder - who among Nandre Burger or Rovman Powell plays as their final overseas player?

The side has been dominant with either of the two in the playing XI and ironically, their lone loss this season came in the game where both players did not play. While Powell played due to Burger's injury before the GT game, the latter regaining full fitness gives the management a good headache.

On that note, let us look at the various deciding factors and decide who between Nandre Burger and Rovman Powell should feature in RR's lineup against MI.

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#1 IPL 2024 form

The most basic selection criteria will be the form of both Nandre Burger and Rovman Powell thus far in IPL 2024.

If it comes down to that, there is very little to choose from as both players have done their job to perfection. The tall South African left-arm pacer has picked up six wickets in four games at an excellent average of 20.66 and an economy of 8.85.

Burger formed a terrific powerplay partnership with Kiwi legend Trent Boult, wrecking the opposition's batting with early wickets.

Meanwhile, Rovman Powell has made an equally telling impact in his two games this season. Coming in with only a few overs left in a couple of run-chases, Powell has produced quickfire cameos, evidenced by his incredible strike rate of over 205.

And RR has won all their games with either Burger or Powell, which shows the duo's outstanding impact.

Advantage: Tie

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#2 Better fit for the MI clash

MI is one of the easier oppositions to decide on if it comes down to a competition between an equally impactful batter and bowler. Considering the night and day difference in MI's batting and bowling, it has to be the latter.

With a top six comprising match-winners like Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Tim David, MI boasts arguably the most intimidating batting lineups in the competition. However, the same cannot be said about their bowling department, which is far too reliant on Jasprit Bumrah.

While Bumrah is going at an economy of under 6, the other bowlers are traveling at a rate of almost 10 or above. Thus, RR should pick their 11 with more bowling options and pedigree over the extra batter, meaning Burger instead of Powell any day of the week.

It is also worth remembering that Burger was central to RR's demolition of MI in the first meeting between the sides this season. The Protea pacer, in combination with Trent Boult, wrecked MI in the powerplay, picking up the vital scalp of Ishan Kishan to leave them 4/20 in the fourth over. Burger also dismissed Tim David later in the innings to finish with impressive figures of 2/32 as RR restricted MI to a paltry 125/9 in 20 overs, en route to a six-wicket win.

Advantage: Nandre Burger

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#3 RR more dominant overall with Burger or Powell?

Although RR have won all their games with both Nandre Burger and Rovman Powell in the lineup, when did they look more dominant and boast a better balance? The answer to that is definitely with the bowling option of Burger.

With the left-arm pacer providing the side a six-pronged attack, RR won their first four games with little to no trouble. However, things weren't as rosy when Burger was injured and Powell came into the lineup.

Though no fault of his, RR struggled in their two wins against PBKS and KKR, both coming off final-over finishes. The absence of a sixth bowling was especially revealing when KKR pounded the RR attack for a massive 223/6 in 20 overs.

Thankfully for them, Jos Buttler produced one of his masterpieces to help steal victory from the jaws of defeat. Thus, it is quite blatant that RR has looked far more dominant with the playing XI featuring Burger than the one with Powell, purely from a team balance standpoint.

Advantage: Nandre Burger

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In conclusion, it is fair to say that whoever is left out between Nandre Burger and Rovman Powell has the right to feel unlucky. The duo have done everything asked of them to perfection in the games they played.

Yet, for the strengths and weaknesses of MI and RR's own team balance sake, Burger should certainly get the nod ahead of Powell in the starting lineup.