Mumbai Indians, the defending champions, will be battling it out with the champions of the inaugural season, Rajasthan Royals. Both the teams have had completely contrasting journeys in this season. Mumbai Indians, like every year, started slow. They had one win in three games and looked to be slightly out of sorts.

But they have pulled it back beautifully, winning back-to-back games. They seem to have most of their weaknesses covered, but would want a couple of players to start performing to their potential. Rajasthan, after an impressive start, with two wins in two games, seem to be losing their way.

They have lost two games back-to-back, and there seem to be some obvious flaws. Their middle order seems to be too brittle, and apart from Jofra Archer, their bowling hasn’t looked much impressive. The return of Ben Stokes is sure to add firepower to their line up, but they still have a few bases to cover.

For the MI vs RR game, here are 3 players you can afford to exclude from your Dream11 team:

1.Jasprit Bumrah (9 credits)

One of the best T20 bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah has blown hot and cold this season. While he has picked up seven wickets in five games this season, he hasn’t been at his best.

He has gone at 8.8 runs per over, which is much higher than what he usually goes for. It is usually risky to keep someone like Bumrah out of the team, but with a few other pacers in this game being in much better form than him, it would be better to exclude Bumrah.

2.Hardik Pandya (9.5 credits)

Hardik Pandya hasn’t done much wrong this year. He has scored 105 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 160. But numbers don’t tell the entire story in this case. He hasn’t been at his absolute best as well and apart from the game against KXIP,  he has failed to really fire the way he is expected to.

Add to that the fact that he hasn’t been bowling, Pandya in totality is playing as batsman, in the lower middle-order. Hence his chances to bat are also limited. And with his inconsistent hitting form, from a pure fantasy perspective, it would be better to leave him out.

3.Rahul Tewatia (8.5 credits)

Rahul Tewatia has been a sensation this season. After his epic knock against KXIP, he has managed to add value in the games henceforth as well. But in this game, he might not be able to do much. His leg-spin might not very effective against the MI lineup which has left-handers like Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan in the top four.

Mumbai also possess one of the best bowling lineups. With a deadly pace attack, Tewatia may not fire with the bat as well. Hence, it would be better not to be swayed just by hype and leave Tewatia out for this game.

Disclaimer: This prediction is made based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. You consider the points mentioned while making your own team.