Riyan Parag To Return? RR's Strongest XI vs MI- IPL 2026, Match 69

RR strongest XI vs MI [Source: AFP]

The Rajasthan Royals will play the Mumbai Indians in the penultimate league match of IPL 2026 on Sunday, May 24, in the afternoon at the Wankhede Stadium at 3:30 PM (IST).

This will be a must-win game for the Riyan Parag-led team, who are aiming for the final spot in the playoffs, while having their destiny in their hands. Currently, they are on 14 points in 13 matches, and a win in Mumbai would put them at number 4, regardless of any other result on the weekend.

On the other hand, MI will be playing their annual ESA match at home, where they invite around 20000 underprivileged children to the match. Considering this is their final game of the season after being knocked out already, they would like to be the spoilsport for RR and do a favour to the other teams to qualify at less than 16 points.

Ahead of the all-important match at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, we take a look at the best RR XI that could get the job done.

RR's Playing XI vs MI- IPL 2026, Match 69

Top-Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk)

The RR top-order will remain intact for their final match of the league phase. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is chasing the Orange Cap, having scored 579 runs at a strike rate of 236.32 so far with three fifties and a hundred. His partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has blown hot and cold for his 370 runs at a strike rate of 159.48 and scored three fifties in IPL 2026.

Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel has already surpassed 400 runs for the first time in his IPL career, striking at 150 with five crucial fifties to his name.

Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has captained the team twice in the season already, could once again take up the responsibility in case Riyan Parag is not fit to play.

Middle-Order and All-Rounders: Riyan Parag/Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka

The Royals would be raring for Riyan Parag's return to the team from his hamstring niggle after he scored consecutive fifties in his last two appearances. If he remains on the bench, Lhuan-dre Pretorius will get another opportunity to prove himself at 4.

Number 5 to 7 batters, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreria will be used as floaters according to the match situation. In case of early wickets, Jadeja will be the number 5 bat, and if the team is off to a good start and needs blistering finishes, Dubey or Donovan can be sent, considering the matchups.

Also Read: "Don’t Copy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi" Advisory Issued From RCB Camp

Sri Lanka's T20I skipper, Dasun Shanaka, who has only batted twice, is their bona fide finisher at 8, who can also bowl right-arm pace, as per the team's needs. He is yet to get any opportunities to prove himself, but remains a quality addition to the side.

Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja

Jofra Archer is RR's leading wicket-taker of IPL 2026, with 18 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of just over 9 runs per over, will be the powerplay and death overs option. He will be accompanied by Brijesh Sharma, who has 11 wickets in 10 matches, predominantly bowling outside the powerplay.

In Ravi Bishnoi's absence, Yash Raj Punja's leg-spin has impressed many with his control and variations, scalping 6 wickets in 5 matches at an economy rate of 8.35 runs per over. He is likely to retain his spot in the playing XI as well.

Considering Sushant Mishra made his debut in the last match, his left-arm pace will add some variety in the pace attack as an impact player. He is in search of his first IPL wicket, and there wouldn't be a better opportunity to impress.

RR's Playing XI vs MI- Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag/Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja.