IPL 2018: Battle of Blues as Mumbai Indians-Rajasthan Royals aim to seal playoff spot

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) don’t need any introduction to miracles. They have faced the sternest of tests in the past and responded with aplomb. Been kicked to the dirt and uplifted themselves strongly. Started their campaign in a sluggish way and have still managed to sneak a qualification spot, somehow, proving their pedigree as the comeback kings.

It’s safe to say that Rohit Sharma and boys relish such challenges. Come Sunday, a bigger test awaits them as they take on a Rajasthan Royals (RR) brimming high with confidence.

With the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) nearing its business end, this is a do-or-die clash for both the teams. With five wins and six defeats so far, both sides have 10 points in the kitty and a loss to either of them here would virtually put them out of the qualification race.

Like the past, the Paltans have scripted a miraculous comeback once again and look favourites as they host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan at their fortress. Things have been clicking for the hosts, both in the batting and bowling department and it couldn’t be coming at a better time. Fortunes have been similar for the Royals, who are coming off a morale-boosting victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Both franchises would be keen to avoid a slip up at this stage, particularly MI, who will be backing themselves to continue their dramatic run.

“I guess we are not thinking about the playoffs yet because eventually we will be going match by match and that’s how we have played from the first game itself. Obviously, in the initial games, the results didn’t come our way, but it is not that we were playing bad cricket. Down the line and over a period of time, MI have played their best cricket when they are down and out. And I hope we continue that because now for remaining matches, every game is a do-or-die one. But as I said, we’ll take it game by game and see how it goes,” Krunal Pandya said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Jos Buttler threat

It’s a happy homecoming for Jos Buttler and the Englishman will surely have a point to prove on Sunday, having steered his side to a beckoning for a playoff spot. With four back to back fifties on the trot, the Taunton-born lad has emerged himself as the talisman for the visitors.

“If you see the positive side, he has been consistent for the last 3-4 games, so he’s due for one bad game. So I see it in that way like as an opponent. Obviously he’s a crucial player for them and he has been batting really well. But again, we will think about our team and obviously we’ll plan for every batsman and bowler and see how it goes,” Krunal asserted with a smile when questioned about MI’s plan for Buttler.

Could Buttler be the man to deny his former team an entry into the playoffs? Only time will tell.