Royals face must-win match vs MI

Rajasthan Royals will look to go full throttle in their bid to seal the last IPL 2026 play-offs spot when they take on a struggling Mumbai Indians.

It will be a test of resilience and fitness for both the teams on a potentially hot and humid Sunday afternoon at the Wankhede stadium, as Mumbai Indians hope to sign off with a consolation victory with Rajasthan Royals aware that all they need is victory.

The Royals -- currently placed fourth with 14 points -- need to beat Mumbai Indians, which will take them to 16 points, at least one point clear of both Punjab Kings (15) and Kolkata Knight Riders (13), who are also in the fray for a play-offs berth.

If RR lose on Sunday, they will be knocked out of the play-off race with either KKR or Punjab Kings go through.

The Royals have lost more than they have won in their last five outings, but they will fancy their chances of a win against MI, knowing the conditions of the venue which has small dimensions.

More than Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fireworks at the top, it is Yashasvi Jaiswal who poses the biggest threat to Mumbai Indians. The India opener, also a local boy, went hammer and tongs against Jasprit Bumrah and Co. in Guwahati, scoring a 32-ball 77, which sealed the fate of the game in the first half itself.

Jaiswal returns to the venue where he had smacked his maiden IPL century three years ago, having scored his second ton the following year against the same opponent.

But RR will still need more consistency from skipper Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel, who both occupy crucial spots in the batting order but have not necessarily provided the impetus in the middle overs. If Jurel has lacked the punch at times, Parag is searching for consistency.

If it is any consolation, MI's record in the last five matches is similar to the Royals with three losses and two wins, but then the hosts will be determined to play for pride and the badge.

The contest will provide MI's struggling Indian stars Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma the chance to have one final crack with an impactful performance which would help their team sign off on a positive note.