IPL 2026: Rain-Shortened RR vs MI Game Begins With Mumbai Opting To Field

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya opted to field first after winning the toss against Rajasthan Royals in a rain-hit IPL 2026 fixture. The match took place at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday.

Rainfall earlier in the day delayed the start by nearly 2.5 hours. This pushed it back from the original 7:30 PM schedule.

Officials reduced the match to 11 overs per side due to the time lost. The Powerplay has been limited to 3.2 overs, which equals 20 balls.

Each side can utilise four bowlers for up to two overs each, while one bowler is allowed to deliver a maximum of three overs. A 10-minute interval will separate the two innings.

Mumbai Indians brought back Hardik Pandya into the starting line-up, adding experience and balance to the side.

They also included fast bowler Trent Boult in place of Corbin Bosch, while spinner AM Ghazanfar returned to the squad. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, decided to go ahead with an unchanged team.

Captains Reflect on Conditions

Pandya noted that the pitch had stayed covered for a long period and said teams generally prefer chasing in matches affected by rain. He also pointed out that early games do not define the outcome of a long tournament.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said he would have made the same decision to bowl first. He added that although the pitch was expected to remain dry, the rain may have influenced its nature.

Mumbai Indians named a strong playing XI featuring Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah.

The impact substitutes list includes Ashwani Kumar, Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, and Raj Bawa.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Match In Guwahati Delayed As Rain Halts RR vs MI Encounter