In a highly anticipated encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians are facing off against the Rajasthan Royals in the 42nd match of the IPL 2023. After winning the toss, RR skipper Sanju Samson chose to bat first on what seemed to be a batting-friendly surface.
“We would like to bat first. Wicket looks like a good one, we are trying to stick to our strengths and put up a total. We are playing a great standard of cricket and the team is in a good space.”, Sanju Samson said after winning the toss.
Why is Adam Zampa not playing against Mumbai Indians today?
However, there was a surprise in store as RR decided to omit their star leg-spinner Adam Zampa from the playing XI. In a tactical move, the Royals brought back Trent Boult to the side, who was rested in the last game against the Chennai Super Kings. Boult’s inclusion was based on the belief that the Wankhede pitch is likely to favor pacers over spinners.
“Yes, the conditions are different but we will stick to our strengths. The team management and franchise are doing a great job of keeping the spirits high. Boult comes back.”, Sanju further explained.
The decision to rest Boult in the previous game was made as Rajasthan was playing on their home ground, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which is known for its spin-friendly wicket. In that game, Adam Zampa led the team’s bowling attack as he picked up three crucial wickets, which eventually proved to be the turning point in the game.
While the omission of Zampa may have raised some eyebrows, it remains to be seen how Boult performs on a Wankhede pitch that traditionally favors the batsmen. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Cameron Green, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav in the Mumbai Indians lineup, RR’s pacers will have their task cut out for them.
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