MI vs RR IPL 2024 Match 14: Will Mumbai Indians Play Akash Madhwal or Nuwan Thushara Against Rajasthan Royals?

Hardik Pandya will look to win over the home support when Mumbai Indians lock horns with Rajasthan Royals in match 14 of IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday (April 1).

The joint record champions MI have suffered two defeats in two matches so far this season with the latest being a 31-run loss in Hyderabad, where several records were broken as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the highest total in IPL history.

While those two losses came away from home, the Mumbai Indians will look to open their account in their first appearance at home this season. MI, who are known slow-starters, have missed some of their key players in the opening two games.

However, the five-time champions have got their combination all wrong despite missing the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Dilshan Madushanka, who have not been fit to play.

Hardik & Co could have still made better use of the resources available at their disposal in those two games. Will they ring those changes in today's matches? Here is a look at who could get a look in for the clash against Royals?

Will Mumbai Indians play Akash Madhwal against Rajasthan Royals?

Last season's hero with the ball in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Madhwal may have missed the first two matches in IPL 2024 due to fitness issue. But as per the recent social media posts by the franchise, the pacer is likely to be available for selection.

If fit, Madhwal will definitely come into the side due to his death-bowling ability. Madhwal bowling in tandem with Bumrah could be MI's best weapon this season. However, he can only come into the side at the expense of an Indian spinner.

Will Mumbai Indians hand debut to Nuwan Thushara?

Thushara, the new Malinga of the team, was ignored in the opening two matches with MI preferring for left-arm pace options as injured Madushanka was their primary pick for the 11.

The Sri Lankan's injury has led to Luke Wood and Kwena Maphaka earning a spot in the team, pushing Thushara down the pecking order. MI think-tank may keep the slingy action bowler waiting for his debut as Madhwal's inclusion will force them to bring in a spin bowling option.

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi may be the obvious choice if Madhwal is fit as he could replace Shams Mulani. Nabi could then replace Kwena Maphaka in the playing 11. This could add good balance to the team.