MI Vs RR Highlights, IPL 2026: Royals Thrash Mumbai By 30 Runs To Book Playoff Berth

Hello cricket fans! We're back with the live coverage of match 68 of IPL 2026 between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 24. Stay tuned for the live score and real-time updates of the match here.

Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma, AM Ghazanfar, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, Trent Boult, Keshav Maharaj, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar, Danish Malewar, Mayank Markande, Ashwani Kumar, Mahipal Lomror, Ruchit Ahir

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal(c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Sushant Mishra, Sandeep Sharma, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Aman Rao Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, Tushar Deshpande, Kuldeep Sen, Vignesh Puthur, Ravi Singh

In a strategic move just ahead of their critical playoff-deciding clash against the Mumbai Indians, the Rajasthan Royals have signed Punjab all-rounder Emanjot Chahal as an injury replacement. Chahal joins the squad for INR 30 lakh, stepping in for wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Singh, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 IPL season due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s recent encounter with the Delhi Capitals. A 21-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder from Patiala, Chahal brings fresh talent to the Royals' roster. While he is relatively new to the senior white-ball circuit, he has demonstrated promise in domestic first-class cricket, boasting a high score of 83 and 11 wickets across his three appearances. The decision to bring in additional cover—despite the late stage of the tournament—reflects the high stakes of today's fixture, as the Royals look to bolster their depth in a "must-win" scenario that holds the key to their 2026 playoff qualification.

In a move to reinforce their roster for the final leg of the 2026 IPL season, the Mumbai Indians have signed Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir as injury replacements.

The experienced left-handed batting all-rounder Lomror joins MI for INR 50 lakh as a replacement for Quinton de Kock, who was ruled out due to a wrist tendon injury. Lomror brings significant IPL experience, having previously played 40 matches for franchises including the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Ahir from Saurashtra has been signed for INR 30 lakh to replace Raj Angad Bawa, who is sidelined with a thumb ligament tear. Ahir, who previously impressed the MI coaching staff while playing for the Reliance team during the pre-season DY Patil T20 Cup, adds domestic depth to the squad.

The upcoming match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) serves as the definitive contest for the final playoff spot in the 2026 Indian Premier League. For the Rajasthan Royals, the qualification equation is straightforward: a victory over Mumbai will propel them to 16 points and secure the fourth and final position in the playoffs. However, a loss would result in their elimination, ending their season and cementing a second consecutive year outside of the postseason.

This encounter also carries immense weight for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Punjab Kings, who finished their league campaign on 15 points, are now entirely dependent on the result of this match. If Mumbai Indians defeat the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings will be confirmed as the fourth-seeded team, officially securing their spot in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders remain mathematically in the hunt but face a significantly more complex path. To qualify, KKR requires a Rajasthan Royals defeat against Mumbai, followed by a massive victory of their own in their final league match against the Delhi Capitals. Because they currently sit on 13 points, they would need to win by a substantial margin to bridge the Net Run Rate (NRR) gap and overtake Punjab Kings in the standings. Consequently, while the Royals control their own destiny, the fate of both Punjab and Kolkata effectively rests on the outcome at Wankhede Stadium.

Beyond the tactical battles and playoff implications, today’s showdown at the Wankhede Stadium carries a unique spirit as the Mumbai Indians celebrate their annual "Education and Sports for All" (ESA) Day. This flagship initiative, spearheaded by the Reliance Foundation, turns the final home game of the season into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, with nearly 20,000 children from various NGOs invited to witness the action from the stands.

For the Mumbai Indians players, the ESA match is a deeply emotional tradition that transcends the points table. The initiative aims to provide these young fans—who often face significant socioeconomic challenges—with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, promoting the transformative power of sport and education. The energy in the stadium is palpably different on this day; the air is filled with the unbridled enthusiasm of the "Junior Paltan," whose cheers provide a unique, wholesome backdrop to the high-intensity cricket on display.

While the Rajasthan Royals are fighting for their playoff survival, the Mumbai Indians are playing for the pride of their home fans and, more importantly, for the smiles of the thousands of children filling the Wankhede. This match serves as a powerful reminder that while professional cricket is defined by competition and results, its greatest impact often lies in its ability to inspire the next generation to dream bigger and pursue their own goals with resilience and passion. As the players step onto the field under the gaze of thousands of inspired young eyes, the game becomes more than just a contest—it becomes a celebration of hope and opportunity.

Mumbai Indians have won the toss and elected to field first at the Wankhede Stadium.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel(w), Riyan Parag(c), Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Yash Raj Punja, Brijesh Sharma

Impact subs: Ravindra Jadeja, Sushant Mishra, Aman Rao Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, AM Ghazanfar, Raghu Sharma

Impact Subs: Rohit Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat, Trent Boult

Rajasthan's flamboyant openers - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have started on a positive note with 9 runs from the first over. It could have been even more but Will Jacks made a valiant effort at the deep cover boundary to save a certain six from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

RR 9/0 (1)

Will Jacks has been on point so far with the ball against the attacking pair of Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi. He gave just 4 runs in his first over and eventually got the big wicket of Jaiswal after getting struck for a six in his second over. Jaiswal goes after making 27 off 17 balls and it's a good start for MI. Dhruv Jurel joins Sooryavanshi in the middle.

RR 33/1 (4)

RR suffer back-to-back body blows as both their dashing openers are back in the hut inside the first five overs. Will Jacks first sent back Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Deepak Chahar getting Sooryavanshi caught inside the 30-yard circle off a good-length bowl. Riyan Parag tried to sway the momentum in RR's favor but he also ultimately falls off the last ball of the powerplay at the long-on boundary.

RR 54/3 (6)

After losing three early wickets, Dasun Shanaka and Dhruv Jurel have stitched an unbeaten 30-run stand for the 4th wicket. Shanaka is leading the charge in the partnership as the Sri Lankan T20 skipper reaches to 20 off 11 balls. RR need a big partnership from these two batters to take them to a big first innings total at Wankhede.

RR 84/3 (9)

Just as it was looking that Rajasthan Royals are coming back in the match with their fourth-wicket stand, a terrible mix-up between both the batters led to the downfall of Dasun Shanaka, who falls after scoring 29 off 15 balls. It was a timely wicket for MI as the partnership was starting to look dangerous.

RR 115/4 (12)

Kolkata Knight Riders have added Luvnith Sisodia in their squad for the remainder of IPL 2026 in place of injured Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Donovan Ferreira, who was struggling on the crease smashed a six to Deepak Chahar but eventually fell on the third ball after getting caught at the deep mid-wicket boundary. RR is trouble as they lose their sixth wicket. A big change by RR as they send Shubham Dubey to join Archer on the crease instead of veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

RR 148/6 (16)

After giving 13 runs from the first three balls, Shardul Thakur salvages himself by getting the wicket of Shubham Dubey off a slower ball. Dubey fails to time the slower ball and ends up giving a simple catch at the deep mid-wicket boundary. Ravindra Jadeja joins Archer in the middle as an Impact Sub. Thakur further cripples Royals by dismissing well-set Archer for 32 off 15 balls.

RR 175/8 (18)

What a dramatic last over as Shardul Thakur dismisses Ravindra Jadeja off a slower ball and gives the all-rounder a send-off but unfortunately for Thakur it turns out to be a no-ball and Jadeja adds insult to injury by slamming Thakur consecutive boundaries in the next two balls and gives it back to the MI bowler with a fist pump celebration. RR finish at 205/8 courtesy of last over blitz by Jadeja.

RR 205/8 (20)

Jofra Archer sets the tone for Rajasthan Royals by getting Rohit Sharma caught behind off a beautiful outswinger. Rohit Sharma fails against and it's a bad start for MI in a big chase of 206 runs.

MI 1/1 (1)

Bowled! Jofra Archer is in full swing today as he gets his second wicket of the day in his consecutive over. It was a pacy delivery that nipped back in quickly and Naman Dhir completely missed his stumps and ended up getting his stumps rattled.

MI 23/2 (3)

Will Jacks ends an eventful over with a boundary. First Will Jacks got hit on his hand off a dangerous beamer, followed by Sky deflecting a full-toss onto his helmet, leading to delay in the match. MI have lost four wickets inside the powerplay in the chase of 206 and unless someone from MI plays a sensational knock, it's looking RR's match to lose.

MI 49/4 (6)

A costly over by Ravindra Jadeja, giving away 14 runs from the over. A partnership is starting to brew between Suryakumar Yadav and Will Jacks, which could be danger signs for Rajasthan as both these batters are extremely dangerous and can turn the tide of the match in Mumbai's favor from any position.

MI 81/4 (9)

Another eventful over in the context of the match as Yash Raj Punja give his team a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Will Jacks but ends up getting hit for two sixes by Hardik Pandya to give 22 runs from the over. Although MI have lost half of their side, but this over has brought MI back in the chase.

MI 116/5 (12)

Hardik Pandya has brought Mumbai in the game big time with his unbeaten 33 off 13 balls. Pandya has complemented Sky quite well and MI are well within the range from here as they need just 59 runs to win in 30 balls.

MI 147/5 (15)

Nandre Burger buries the final nail in the coffin by getting the key wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who is dismissed at 60 off 42 balls. It's looking a highly improbable chase for MI from here as they still need 40 runs to win from 12 balls with only 2 wickets in hand.

MI 166/8 (18)

In a match the swung like a pendulum, Rajasthan Royals routed Mumbai Indians by 30 runs to seal the final playoff berth. RR restrict MI for just 175 in response to a big 206-run target and with this win, KKR and PBKS are also eliminated from the tournament.

That's a wrap from our end. We'll be back soon with another blog, until then, bye bye.