Mumbai Indians’ (MI) IPL 2024 campaign has hit a rough patch as they suffered their third consecutive defeat, this time in their inaugural home match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 1, 2024.

RR skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to field first. Trent Boult and Nandre Burger provided RR with an excellent start, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, and Dewald Brevis for ducks. Ishan Kishan’s brief innings of 16 runs ended soon after, leaving MI reeling at 20/4.

Hardik Pandya (34) and Tilak Varma (35) then steadied MI’s innings with a partnership, but Yuzvendra Chahal’s introduction into the attack turned the tide in RR’s favor. Chahal quickly took three wickets, restricting MI to a total of 125/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Boult (3/22) and Burger (2/32) were also instrumental in RR’s bowling performance.

In response, Mumbai Indians’ bowlers performed admirably, securing early wickets by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), Jos Buttler (13), and Sanju Samson (12) inexpensively. Akash Madhwal showcased his bowling prowess in his season debut for MI, claiming figures of 3/20.

However, Riyan Parag played a pivotal role for Rajasthan Royals, remaining unbeaten on 54 runs, comprising 5 fours and 3 sixes, guiding his team to a comfortable victory by 6 wickets with 27 balls to spare.

Following this triumph, Rajasthan Royals ascended to the summit of the IPL 2024 points table with an immaculate record of 3 wins in as many games, accumulating 6 points. Trent Boult was honored with the Player of the Match title.

The cricket community applauded Riyan Parag and Rajasthan Royals for their clinical display against the five-time IPL champions.

Not easy to come to Wankhede and dominate MI from the word go. RR looks such a strong outfit. Their bowling has all the bases covered, and batting also gets the job done. And to think Jaiswal & Buttler are yet to come to party! MI have their task cut out. #MIvRR #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/GQyA8KkQoM

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 1, 2024

Superb batting by Riyan Parag. Technically sound, calm, composed, full of purpose, holding the innings together on a pitch that offered substantial help to bowlers.

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 1, 2024

. @ParagRiyan seals the victory for RR in style! Both teams continue their streak. @rajasthanroyals – the winning streak, and @mipaltan – the losing streak! Mumbai needs to get their act together before it's too late! #RRvsMI #IPL2024 #IPLonJioCinema

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) April 1, 2024