MI Predicted Playing XI vs RR, IPL 2026, Match 13

Hardik Pandya likely to return for MI vs RR [Source: AP]

The Mumbai Indians will face the Rajasthan Royals in Match 13 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on April 7 at 7:30 PM (IST).

The five-time champions have won one and lost one of their first two matches this season and currently sit in the bottom half of the points table with two points. On the other hand, RR, under the new leadership of Riyan Parag, have won two in two and stands a chance to go to the top of the table with a win over MI.

Former skipper Rohit Sharma has started IPL 2026 strongly with 113 runs in the first two matches, striking at 176.56 and the best score of 78. He is their leading run-getter, while Shardul Thakur, following his POTM-winning 3/39, is their highest wicket-taker.

As captain Hardik Pandya is likely to return to the playing XI after missing the Delhi Capitals fixture, here’s a look at MI’s likely playing XI against RR on Tuesday night.

MI's Likely Playing XI vs RR- IPL 2026, Match 13

Top order: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav

Following the 148-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the two have solidified their spots at the top for the majority of the season. Both look in good touch and have scored 113 and 90 runs at 176.56 and 166.66, respectively, after two matches played.

Suryakumar Yadav will be slated at number 3/4 and will be used interchangeably with Tilak Varma to maintain the RHB-LHB combination. Yadav has scored 67 runs in two innings so far, including a 51(36) as the captain against DC.

Also Read: Kevin Pietersen Throws IPL Under The Bus, Exposes Dark Side Of ECB

Middle Order and All-rounders: Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur

The Mumbai Indians have a long batting line-up, which goes down to number 10. Following Suryakumar Yadav/Tilak Varma at 4, Hardik Pandya will bat at 5 after his 18*(11) in their season opener with three fours to his name. Hardik will also share the new ball duties with one or two overs in the powerplay to lead the team from the front.

Naman Dhir, with 33 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 143.47, will share the responsibility of finishing the innings with the left-handed batting duo of Sherfane Rutherford and Mitchell Santner. The overseas star duo haven't been called upon to make big contributions in the tournament yet, but are in red-hot form in the lead-up to the IPL 2026.

South African utility player, Corbin Bosch, will bat at number 8 for MI. Predominantly featuring as a bowler, he will be the middle-overs enforcer for the five-time champions with his variations and ability to hit the hard lengths at 140-145 kmph. He can also be a handy addition at 8, with high-impact knocks to his name in India in recent times.

MI's current leading wicket-taker, Shardul Thakur, will also be an option to operate in the middle overs alongside the spinners and Corbin Bosch after his impressive outing on the debut. He can also bowl in the powerplay, if needed, and has the potential to strike crucial blows with the bat in the death.

Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

After Trent Boult went out of the XI for Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar will be on the new ball duties for MI as their lead pacer in this phase of play. He bowled a handy spell of 1/20 (3) against DC to retain his spot in the playing XI. He can also add runs at 10, but will predominantly play as a bowler.

The leader of the bowling attack will be Jasprit Bumrah, who has been wicketless in the first two matches so far, conceding only 56 runs in 8 overs so far. He is currently in some of the best rhythms of his career and remains instrumental in the death overs after an over in the powerplay.

MI Playing XI vs RR- Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.