Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been exciting and captivating. It has already entered its third matchweek. Last night, Rajasthan Royals (RR) hosted Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Royals continued their stellar run in the IPL and defeated MI by 27 runs in rain-interrupted 11-over play.
Due to rain in the eastern part of India, the match started about two and a half hours late than the scheduled time. hardik pandya After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, even though the pitch was under cover, RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi had other plans from the start of the match.
Vaibhav and Jaiswal were on song against MI
Jaiswal started the first over with a bang Deepak Chahar For 22 runs, and Vaibhav replaced Jasprit Bumrah for 14 runs by hitting a six on the first ball. Both the brilliant opening batsmen made a partnership of 80 runs in four overs. RR scored 150/3 in their 11 overs. Mumbai Indians, who came to chase the target, never remained in the match and kept losing wickets continuously.
Naman Dhir and Sherfane Rutherford scored 25 runs each and were the joint-highest run-scorers for the five-time champions that night. They finished with a score of 123/9 from their 11 overs. This is the second consecutive defeat of Hardik Pandya’s team after winning the first match over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
We have played a lot of cricket- Mahela Jayawardene
after the match, Mumbai Indians Captain Hardik Pandya and vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav were seen scattered inside the dressing room. In a video shared on
stay together
bounce back together pic.twitter.com/4FwZ39vziT– Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) 8 April 2026
“But this is the time when we need to stick together, have honest conversations and take care of each other.” Later, Kieron Pollard said inside the dressing room, “Be careful, stay positive. Cricket games are never won easily. Let’s stay together, stay strong and stay united.”
Hardik Pandya surprised by Vaibhav Suryavanshi
In the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said that his bowlers were not up to the task and also praised their performance. Vaibhav Suryavanshi batted in the innings, and believed that he is one of the future superstars for India and wished him all the best. Pandya was surprised that a 15-year-old cricketer had such a fearless attitude.
“It’s quite interesting to see a 17 or 16-year-old (15-year-old) playing like this (on Suryavanshi). It’s amazing to see the way he bats, his fearlessness. Wish him all the best for the future. (For his next game) just learn from the mistakes. Tomorrow will be morning, the sun will come out, prepare well for the next game,” Pandya said.
MI will face defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Who are in great form in the tournament so far, winning two out of their two games. This match is to be held on Sunday 12th April at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah is afraid of Vaibhav Suryavanshi! Dale Steyn makes big comment on blockbuster fight
