The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are desperate to change their present status and end their four-year IPL trophy drought. After winning five trophies in eight seasons, including back-to-back IPL trophies in the 2019 and 2020 editions, MI advanced to the playoffs only one season in the last four years (2023).

In the IPL 2022 and 2024, MI finished in the 10th position, which are disappointing results for the joint most successful IPL team. 

Mumbai Indians: Key additions from the mega auction

In the mega auction, Mumbai Indians strongly bid for the top pacers and quality all-rounders. They spent INR 12.50 crore for the return of Trent Boult, while Deepak Chahar was entertained for INR 9.25 crore. The five-time IPL winners also secured Naman Dhir through the RTM. In fact, the franchise bought some quality all-rounders for bargain prices. 

SEE ALSO: Trent Boult reunites with Mumbai Indians after three years

MI Full Squad

Batters: Rohit Sharma (retained), Suryakumar Yadav (retained), Tilak Varma (retained), Bevon Jacobs (South African)

Wicketkeepers: Ryan Rickelton (South African), Krishnan Shrijith, Robin Minz 

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (retained), (RTM) Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner (New Zealander), Will Jack (English), Satyanarayana Raju, Vignesh Puthur, Raj Bawa

Spinners: Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan), Karn Sharma 

Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah (retained), Trent Boult (New Zealander), Lizaad Williams (South African), Reece Topley (English), Deepak Chahar, Arjun Tendulkar, Ashwani Kumar

Brief SWOT analysis

Mumbai Indians retained their key players. Their top and middle-order batting looks really strong. However, due to limited quality and experienced names, both batting units can face trouble if the top players are unavailable. There is also a question about the batting depth in the playing XI.

Although MI spent on the all-rounders, the experienced Indian all-rounder is only the skipper Hardik Pandya. 

In the meantime, the Indian spin-bowling option is very limited, but MI have strong names of Indian and overseas pace-bowling options (including the all-rounder and captain Hardik Pandya). However, Deepak Chahar’s unsettled fitness can be troublesome for MI. 

While MI batting isn’t dependent on the foreigners, we will see top foreigners in the all-round and bowling options. 

MI Best possible XI for IPL 2025

Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) had an awful run in the IPL 2024, where they finished in the 10th or last place in the points table, which happened twice in the last three IPL seasons. MI are desperate to bring back their dominance in the forthcoming season. 

MI spent INR 75 crore to retain five capped players before the IPL 2025 mega auction. They started the mega auction with a purse balance of INR 45 crore. 

MI brought back Trent Boult by spending INR 12.50 crore. They have players like Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Allah Ghazanfar, Mitchell Santner, etc. MI used the RTM for Naman Dhir. 

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025 to start on March 14; Dates revealed for next three seasons

Pre Auction Retentions

(Capped)

Jasprit Bumrah (Indian): INR 18 Crore

Suryakumar Yadav (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Hardik Pandya (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Rohit Sharma (Indian): INR 16.30 Crore

Tilak Verma (Indian): INR 8 Crore

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 uncapped player

Mega Auction Buys

Trent Boult (New Zealander): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 12.50 crore

Deepak Chahar (Indian): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 9.25 crore

RTM Naman Dhir (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 5.25 crore

Will Jacks (English): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 5.25 crore

Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan): Base price INR 75 lakh – Bid won INR 4.80 crore

Mitchell Santner (New Zealander): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 2 crore

Ryan Rickelton (South African): Base price INR 1 crore – Bid won INR 1 crore

Reece Topley (English): Base price INR 75 lakh – Bid won INR 75 lakh

Lizaad Williams (South African): Base price INR 75 lakh – Bid won INR 75 lakh

Robin Minz (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 65 lakh

Karn Sharma (Indian): Base price INR 50 lakh – Bid won INR 50 lakh   

Vignesh Puthur (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Bevon Jacobs (South African): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Satyanarayana Raju (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Raj Bawa (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Ashwani Kumar (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Arjun Tendulkar (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh  

Krishnan Shrijith (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh   

Full Squad

Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Angad Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur.

Best Predicted XI

Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

The joint record holder five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced their retained players for the IPL 2025. 

Mumbai Indians are among the most successful teams in the T20 league history. Mumbai Indians won the IPL trophy in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Further, they finished as the runners-up in the IPL 2010. They also won the now-defunct Champions League T20 trophy twice (2011 and 2013).

In the last four seasons, Mumbai Indians failed to reach the final of the tournaments. In these seasons, they only reached the playoffs in the 2023 edition. 

Before the beginning of the IPL 2024, the long-time skipper Rohit Sharma stepped down from the captaincy role, under whom MI won five IPL trophies and one Champions League T20 trophy, and Hardik Pandya handled the captaincy role after returning to the team. However, it wasn’t a smooth run for him as MI finished in the 10th or last position at the IPL 2024. 

Mumbai Indians player retention

Mumbai Indians retained five capped players for INR 75 crore. The five-time IPL champions have INR 45 crore to complete the team at the mega auction. 

(Capped)

Jasprit Bumrah (Indian): INR 18 Crore

Suryakumar Yadav (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Hardik Pandya (Indian): INR 16.35 Crore

Rohit Sharma (Indian): INR 16.30 Crore

Tilak Verma (Indian): INR 8 Crore

(Uncapped)

None

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 uncapped player

Twenty20 (T20) has emerged as a revolutionary game format in cricket, captivating audiences with its fast-paced action and nail-biting finishes. From its inception to the rise of T20 leagues worldwide, the format has transformed the landscape of the sport, ushering in a new era of excitement and entertainment.

T20I Cricket: A Game of Thrills and Excitement

Introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003 for the inter-county competition, Twenty20 cricket was designed to offer a shorter and more dynamic alternative to traditional formats like Tests and One Day Internationals (ODIs). Its fast-paced nature and emphasis on aggressive batting and innovative strategies quickly garnered widespread popularity among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

See Also: Sri Lanka Women secure a place in T20 WC

T20 Leagues: A Global Phenomenon

The exponential growth of T20 cricket paved the way for establishing various T20 leagues globally, each offering a platform for top players to showcase their talent on the grand stage. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Big Bash League (BBL), these leagues have redefined cricketing fandom, attracting millions of viewers and generating substantial revenue.

Decoding the Success Stories

Among the plethora of T20 teams worldwide, a select few have etched their names in cricketing history with their remarkable achievements and unparalleled success. From the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) record-breaking exploits in the IPL to India’s stellar performances on the international stage, each team has contributed to the rich tapestry of T20 cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Let’s spotlight the top teams in T20 cricket, highlighting their remarkable win records and iconic moments on the field.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand tall as the epitome of success in T20 cricket, boasting 152 wins in 260 matches. Despite missing the IPL seasons in 2016 and 2017, CSK has consistently dominated the league, clinching five Indian T20 League titles and making a record 10 finals appearances.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) have etched their name in T20 cricket history with a staggering 152 wins in 280 matches. Led by the dynamic Rohit Sharma, MI has secured five IPL titles, making them the most successful team in the league’s history. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has solidified their status as the game’s true titans.

Indian Cricket Team

Team India’s dominance in T20 cricket is unparalleled, with 140 wins in 219 matches. From winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 to showcasing their prowess on the international stage, India has cemented its status as a cricketing powerhouse in the shortest format of the game.

Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan holds a special place in the history of T20 cricket, with 138 wins in 236 matches. As the first team to win more than 100 matches in T20I cricket and the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, Pakistan has set the benchmark for excellence in the format.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may have 135 wins in 262 matches, but their tenacity and resilience make them formidable in T20 cricket. With two IPL titles under their belt and a record 10 consecutive wins during the 2014-15 seasons, KKR has proved repeatedly that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Most Wins In T20s

1. CHENNAI SUPER KINGS – 152

2. Mumbai Indians – 152

3. India – 140

4. Pakistan – 138

5. Kolkata knight riders – 135

The 48th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Lucknow Super Giants vs Mumbai Indians at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. However, Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first.

LSG won five games so far and lost four as well. On the other hand, MI won three games so far and they lost six games only. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: LSG vs MI, Match 48: Who said what at the toss?

Hardik Pandya: Looks alright. Looks like a slower surface, let’s see how it plays. We know that all games are do or die. Need to focus on one game at a time. I think everytime we have backed our playing XI. The injuries have cost us. Crucial players are all secured. It’s a long tournament, we have believed in all our players everytime we have played. Coetzee comes back in for Wood.

KL Rahul: We will bowl first. Wicket looks good, want to put their batters under pressure and look to chase it. We’ll try to stay as balanced as possible. Need to come out and put up show. We have had a few good victories. Few changes, Quinton misses out. Kulkarni is in the team. Mayank is back as well. He has bowled really well, he has a huge impact. I have been pushing the physios and medical team. Mayank is eager to go. Important that he gets it out of his head that he had an injury.

Playing XIs:

Mumbai Indians: Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Nehal Wadhera, Tim David, Mohammad Nabi, Gerald Coetzee, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai Indians Impact Subs: Nuwan Thushara, Kumar Kartikeya, Dewald Brevis, Naman Dhir, Shams Mulani

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul(w/c), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ashton Turner, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav

Lucknow Super Giants Subs: Arshin Kulkarni, Manimaran Siddharth, Krishnappa Gowtham, Yudhvir Singh, Prerak Mankad

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, often revered as one of cricket’s greatest wicket-keeper-batsmen, continues to dazzle fans with his on-field prowess at the age of 42. As a pivotal player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) this season, Dhoni has been seen not just filling the role but exceeding expectations in both batting and wicket keeping. His veteran presence and strategic acumen have proved invaluable, especially for the newly-appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Overview of Dhoni’s Current Season

Despite the onslaught of time, Dhoni’s commitment to cricket remains unwavering. This season, he has been instrumental in steering CSK through challenging matches, including a critical win against their arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium.

See Also: IPL 2024: MS Dhoni’s heartwarming gesture with Ruturaj Gaikwad goes viral

Key Moments from the Recent Match

In a nail-biting finish against MI, Dhoni’s batting was nothing short of spectacular. Entering the fray with just four balls left in the innings, he smashed Hardik Pandya for three consecutive sixes, clinching a dramatic 20-run victory for his team. This performance not only secured the win but also highlighted his unyielding spirit and clutch play.

The Physical Challenge

Recent observations have raised concerns about Dhoni’s physical condition. After the triumph over MI, he was seen limping and taking support from a wall, suggesting that he might be battling a significant knee injury.

Despite these physical challenges, Dhoni has shown remarkable resilience. According to CSK’s bowling consultant, Eric Simmons, Dhoni has bravely managed his knee injury, displaying fortitude by playing through pain and leading by example.

“Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He’s one of the hardest men I’ve ever come across. I don’t even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing,” he said after the CSK’s win over MI.

“I’m sure there’s some niggles. He just has that ability to ignore what it is and do what needs to be done. We’re more concerned about his injuries. When I say we, I mean the public (which) is more concerned about his injuries than he is,” Simmons added.

Dhoni’s Role and Impact

Despite being in the twilight years of his career, Dhoni’s ability to deliver explosive performances has not diminished. His brief yet impactful innings are a testament to his enduring skill and mental strength.

As CSK prepares to face Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Sports City, fans and teammates alike hope to see Dhoni at his best. His leadership and strategic insight will be crucial for maintaining their winning streak.

In the electrifying atmosphere of Wankhede Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased strategic brilliance and execution to halt the resurgent Mumbai Indians (MI), securing a 20-run victory in the 29th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Match Overview: CSK vs MI, IPL 2024

Defending a competitive total of 206/4, Chennai managed to restrict Mumbai to 186/6. Despite an explosive start by MI, CSK’s bowlers pulled back brilliantly, with young Matheesha Pathirana making a significant impact.

See Also: IPL 2024: Pathirana powers CSK over MI at Wankhede

Mumbai Indians were off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who brought up 50 runs in just five overs. This initial burst set a strong foundation, which was anticipated to steer MI towards an easy win.

Turning Point: Pathirana’s Key Overs

The game saw a dramatic turn when Pathirana took the ball. Dismissing Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, he drastically shifted the momentum in favor of CSK. Matheesha Pathirana gave the hosts an almighty jolt. The Sri Lankan pacer dismissed Ishan Kishan in his first delivery, before sending Suryakumar Yadav back on a duck in his third.

Alongside Tilak Varma, Sharma built a 60-run third-wicket stand, but Pathirana delivered a thunderbolt for the third time in this match. Varma could not capitalise on the start he got off to, as he was dismissed when batting on 31.

Re-introduced in the bowling attack on the 17th over, Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Tim David, albeit he also conceded 19 runs in that over. Requiring 53 runs from the last three overs, Mumbai needed to go all guns blazing in the 18th over, albeit Pathirana had other plans. The 21-year-old completed a four-fer by dismissing Romario Shepherd, and conceded just six runs.

Rohit Sharma completed his century in the last over, and remained unbeaten on a 63-ball 105, albeit in ended in a winning cause as Mumbai could only reach 186/6.

CSK’s Batting Highlights: Gaikwad and Dube’s Partnership

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube had set the stage with their crucial innings. Gaikwad’s 69 off 40 balls, coupled with Dube’s unbeaten 66, propelled CSK to a formidable total.

CSK could still manage only 48/1 in the Power-play. However, with both Gaikwad and Ravindra helping themselves to a four each off Akash Madhwal and the New Zealand opener carting Shreyas Gopal for a six with a clean swing over long-on, they completed fifty of their partnership for the second wicket off 36 balls.

Dube, who started with three fours off Pandya, slapped and pulled Romario Shepherd for two boundaries and then in the 14th over, Shepherd for back-to-back sixes, two superb efforts that were followed by a boundary off a short ball past the deep midwicket which left the fans delirious in the stands. Gaikwad then scythed a low full toss off his wrists for another boundary as the over cost Mumbai Indians 22 runs. Dube bought fifty off 28 balls.

Daryl Mitchell was out for 17 off 14 but Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammered Pandya for a hat-trick of sixes in the final over that cost 26 runs as CSK posted a par score of 206/4 in 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 66 off 36 balls while Dhoni finished on 20 not out off four deliveries as CSK set Mumbai Indians a target of 207.

IPL Points Table 2024

In an electrifying 25th match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai Indians (MI) showcased their prowess by clinching a convincing 7-wicket victory against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 11th.

The Bowling Marvel: Jasprit Bumrah’s Stellar Show

Jasprit Bumrah, known for his lethal bowling, did not disappoint. His remarkable figures of 5/21 were instrumental in setting up MI’s win. Bumrah’s mastery over yorkers, fullish deliveries, and low full-tosses bamboozled the RCB batsmen, earning him the prestigious Purple Cap for the season with a total of 10 wickets.

See Also: Watch: Rohit engages in funny banter with Dinesh Karthik

MI’s Batting Frenzy: Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav’s Explosive Innings

Chasing a formidable target of 197, the Mumbai Indians needed a strong start, and the openers delivered precisely that. Ishan Kishan’s blistering 69 off 34 balls, coupled with Suryakumar Yadav’s rapid 52 off 19, laid the foundation for a memorable chase. Their innings were filled with awe-inspiring shots that demoralized the RCB bowlers, setting the stage for a comfortable chase that concluded in just 15.3 overs.

Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik’s Valiant Efforts

Earlier, RCB, after being put into bat, posted a competitive total of 196/8, thanks to half-centuries from Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and a fiery finish by Dinesh Karthik. Du Plessis’ 61 off 40 balls and Karthik’s rapid 53 off 23 balls in the death overs showcased their intent and capability, even as Bumrah wreaked havoc with his bowling.

The Early Setback and a Recovery

RCB’s innings didn’t start as they would have hoped, with their in-form batter and former captain, Virat Kohli, departing early for just three runs. The initial setbacks saw RCB at a precarious 23/2. However, partnerships in the middle, especially the crucial one between Du Plessis and Karthik, propelled them to a competitive total, setting the stage for an enthralling chase.

MI vs RCB at Wankhede
IPL 2023: RCB (199/6) lost to MI (200/4) with 21 balls to spare
IPL 2024: RCB (196/6) lost to MI (199/3) with 27 balls to spare

Five 50+ scores in an IPL match (the most)
PK vs RR Sharjah 2020
RCB vs MI Dubai 2020
RCB vs LSG Bengaluru 2023
CSK vs KKR Kolkata 2023
RCB vs MI Mumbai WS 2024

Fastest 50s for MI in IPL (balls faced)
16 I Kishan vs SRH Abu Dhabi 2021
17 K Pollard vs KKR Mumbai WS 2016
17 I Kishan vs KKR Kolkata 2018
17 K Pollard vs CSK Delhi 2021
17 H Pandya vs KKR Kolkata 2019
17 Suryakumar Yadav vs RCB Mumbai WS 2024

Fifty inside Powerplay for MI (IPL)
Sanath Jayasuriya 59 vs CSK Wankhede 2008
Lendl Simmons 50 vs PK Mohali 2015
Ishan Kishan 63 vs SRH Abu Dhabi 2021
Ishan Kishan 55 vs RCB Wankhede 2024

Highest scoring rate in Powerplay in IPL 2024
11.33 KKR
10.70 MI
10.67 SRH
9.07 DC
8.77 CSK

IPL 2024 Points Table after MI vs RCB match

As the IPL season unfolds, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has been scrutinized for his batting performance. Tim David, the team’s all-rounder, comes to Pandya’s defense, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s batting line-up.

Pandya’s Performance Overview

Pandya’s scoring rate has been a topic of discussion, with his strike rate of 138.46 garnering attention. Despite facing criticism for not accelerating enough, Pandya’s contribution has been more nuanced than mere run-scoring.

See Also: Big blow for Bangladesh, star speedster ruled out of T20 World Cup

Examining specific matches sheds light on Pandya’s significance. In the match against Gujarat Titans, his quick-fire 11 runs may have seemed insufficient, but his role in setting the platform is crucial.

“We have had conversations about how we have played. Hardik has been playing a really important job for our team. Look at the last match , we struggled really hard for momentum towards the back end . Hardik played a perfect innings that set the platform for myself and Romario to go on with at the end,” David told the media during Mumbai Indians’ training session at the Wankhede Stadium.

Pandya’s Role as the Glue: Holding the Innings Together

David emphasizes Pandya’s role as the “glue” that holds the batting together. In a sport where momentum is key, Pandya’s ability to stabilize the innings cannot be overstated.

“With the extra freedom of having an extra batter, there is maybe a little bit less responsibility. Some people are playing with a little bit more freedom or throwing caution to the wind. Like I said at the start, we had Hardik playing a middle order role in the last match. He was the glue that held us together and gave us a chance to play with freedom at the back end,” David added.

Team Dynamics: Pandya’s Contribution Beyond Runs

David delves into the team dynamics, acknowledging that while some players may take more risks, Pandya’s stability allows others to flourish freely. His presence in the middle order provides a sense of security. David said the team has absolutely no concerns with the way their skipper has batted so far.

“You could go look at the first game where Hardik hit two boundaries in his first two balls. absolutely full faith in him. We know his power; we know how good he is. When he gets into that situation, he is going to win games for us,” David added.

As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, the clash between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium promises to be an enthralling spectacle. Amidst the anticipation, several compelling storylines emerge, shaping the narrative of this highly anticipated encounter.

Hardik Pandya: The New Skipper

With the spotlight firmly on him, Hardik Pandya finds himself in a dual role – both as captain and player for the Mumbai Indians. The burden of leadership, coupled with the expectation of delivering stellar performances, places immense pressure on Pandya, especially amidst Mumbai Indians’ recent struggles in the tournament.

See Also: Watch: Bangladesh fielding effort goes viral; netizens can’t stop trolling

Fan Backlash against Mumbai Indians

The decision to replace Rohit Sharma as captain with Hardik Pandya has sparked considerable backlash from Mumbai Indians’ loyal fan base. The removal of Sharma, a revered figure in the franchise’s history, has incited frustration and disappointment among supporters, leading to vocal protests and even instances of abuse directed towards Pandya.

Fans at Wankhede Stadium have raised a new outcry, alleging that stadium officials are prohibiting the display of Rohit Sharma’s posters within the venue. This latest development has sparked fury among fans, who view it as a deliberate attempt to sideline the former Mumbai Indians captain. The decision has not only incensed the fans but has also drawn ire towards both the stadium officials and the Mumbai Indians franchise.

The ban on Rohit Sharma’s posters represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the fans, the franchise, and the authorities. It highlights the deep-seated sentiments and loyalty that fans harbor towards their beloved players, especially someone as iconic as Rohit Sharma.

Mumbai Indians’ Desperation for Victory

For Mumbai Indians, the upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals holds significant ramifications. A third consecutive loss would not only deepen their woes but also intensify scrutiny over Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and the franchise’s decision-making process. With their pride and reputation on the line, Mumbai Indians are desperate for a turnaround in fortunes.

Rajasthan Royals’ Performance in IPL 2024

In contrast, Rajasthan Royals enter the match on a positive trajectory, buoyed by consecutive home victories. However, their true test lies in securing an elusive away win, a feat that will be crucial in asserting their dominance beyond their home turf.