Mumbai Indians' fans have started to arrive outside the iconic Wankhede Stadium ahead of the team's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, April 1.
Mumbai Indians will play their first home match of the ongoing IPL season after two away games against Gujarat Titans and SunRisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, respectively. The five-time IPL champions are yet to open their account in IPL 2024 as they have two matches on the trot under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.
Ahead of the clash against Rajasthan Royals, there is massive support for former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma. In a video that went viral on social media, fans waiting outside the Wankhede Stadium were giving rousing chants and chanting, 'Mumbai Cha Raja Rohit Sharma', showing their unwavering support for former MI captain.
The support for Rohit Sharma has been increasing day by day ever since he was replaced Hardik Pandya as a captain of Mumbai Indians. The Mumbai Indians management decision to remove Rohit rom captaincy duties and handed it over Hardik angered many MI fans. Many questioned the franchise for sacking Rohit Sharma as a captain despite the leading to a record five IPL titles.
MI Skipper Hardik Pandya has been subjected to criticism and backlash for 'taking away' the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The 30-year-old all-rounder received hostile reception from crowds in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad and was subjected to jeers throughout the match.
Can Mumbai Indians come back from two successive defeats?
Skipper Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians will be under immense pressure as they enter their first match of the tournament on the back of two away losses in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
Mumbai Indians hold a good record at their home venue Wankhede Stadium with 48 wins and 29 and have a win percentage of 61.54% in 78 matches. The home crowd is a major boost for the Mumbai Indians and the team has a history of coming back from setbacks strongly.
However, Rajasthan Royals are on the back to two successive wins and will look to maintain a winning streak in the match against Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have locked horns with each other 28 times in the history of Indian Premier League. MI have won 15 matches while RR emerged victorious on 12 occasions. Mumbai Indians will be aiming to extend the lead while Rajasthan Royals will be determined to level the playing field and secure a victory.
