IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians win the toss and elect to bowl first against Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai Indians win the toss and elect to bowl first. The match has been reduced to 11 overs per side due to rain. One bowler from each team will bowl 3 overs, with the rest allowed 2 overs. Powerplay will be for 3.2 overs in each innings.

After winning the toss, MI captain Hardik Pandya was happy to bowl first. The skipper is back for MI after missing the last match against the Delhi Capitals.

"We are going to bowl first. It has been under covers, in rain-effected games you should bat second. It just gives you a clear idea what total should be. (Is it because there's been rain and there will be more rain and it's a truncated game that he opted to bowl?) Yes, that has been always the back of the mind. (How do you treat the loss from the previous game?) I feel it's just the start of the season. We are bound to make mistakes and there are always going to be some very long tournaments. You don't win the IPL in the first couple of weeks and at the same point of time, you don't lose it as well. So, yes, we just spoke about in the group what better things we needed to do. And now, you know, it's just a quick turnaround, so just want to focus on this game and see how we can execute the plans which we have decided. (Team changes) I come back and Boulty is back." Pandya said.

Riyan Parag admitted that he was looking to bowl first too, but was happy to put runs on the board.

"We would have done the same thing actually. It was supposed to be a little dry, but then it rained a lot, so there's a little bit of moisture. It shouldn't play that much [of a role] due to the 11-over game, but it is what it is. (How pleased are you with the start?) I think very pleased. We've had two different types of games here. One that really challenged us and one that kept us on top from start to finish. But really happy with how the boys handled it under pressure, and hope we put the same result today. Same team." Parag said.

Confirmed playing XI for both teams: