Match 50 of IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with the surging Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1. RR, desperate to stay alive in the tournament, come into this clash after a morale-boosting eight-wicket win over Gujarat Titans. A loss here would knock them out of playoff contention, making this a must-win game. In contrast, MI have hit their stride, riding on a five-match winning streak that has propelled them to second place on the points table.
Historically, the rivalry has been tightly contested. In 29 IPL meetings, MI hold a slender lead with 15 wins to RR’s 14. However, RR boast a dominant 6-2 record against MI in Jaipur, a stat they’ll hope to lean on. On the other hand, MI enjoy a 5-4 edge over RR at their home turf, the Wankhede.
RR’s recent revival was fuelled by a sensational hundred from young opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who helped end their five-game losing streak. With Sanju Samson still recovering from injury, leadership duties remain with Riyan Parag as the Royals fight to stay afloat, currently placed eighth with just six points.
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Meanwhile, MI’s turnaround under Hardik Pandya has been remarkable. Their batting, led by a rejuvenated Rohit Sharma, has clicked at the right time, while their bowlers have been consistently effective. With a top-two finish in sight, MI will look to maintain momentum—and a victory here would bring them closer to sealing that spot.
Several key player battles could decide this encounter.
#1 Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Trent Boult
Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his fearless strokeplay at the top, will face a stern test against MI’s seasoned left-arm pacer Trent Boult. Boult’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver pinpoint yorkers could trouble Jaiswal early. In their brief IPL face-offs, Boult has dismissed Jaiswal once in three innings, with the latter managing a strike rate of 122.22. It’s a battle of intent versus precision—one that could set the tone.
#2 Shimron Hetmyer vs Jasprit Bumrah
The spotlight will be on Shimron Hetmyer and Jasprit Bumrah in the middle overs. Hetmyer hasn’t been in explosive touch this season, and Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy and deceptive pace variations make him a tough nut to crack. The MI pacer has removed Hetmyer three times in just six IPL innings, with no boundaries conceded in their last 14 deliveries
#3 Suryakumar Yadav vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Another intriguing contest is between the in-form Suryakumar Yadav and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Suryakumar has dominated spin this season, and his record against Hasaranga—striking at a phenomenal 218.75 without being dismissed—makes this a potential turning point in the middle overs
