IPL 2026: MI vs RR Match 69 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

The Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 69 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 24, as part of the double header. The hosts will want to end a disappointing season on a high note in front of their supporters.

MI have been underwhelming all season long, and find themselves in ninth in the standings, with just four wins from 13 matches. The five-time champions recently suffered defeat at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.

RR, on the other hand, are already fourth in the table and know that a win against MI would secure their place in the playoffs. The 2008 champions lost three matches on the bounce before ending their barren run with a win against the Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur.

Both MI and RR used different strategies whilst selecting their Impact Players in their previous games. Hardik Pandya’s side went with an extra bowler in the form of AM Ghazanfar while defending a total with the Royals bringing in their designated substitute during a run chase in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. 

Predicted Impact Players for Mumbai Indians (MI):

AM Ghazanfar: 20-year-old AM Ghazanfar is enjoying an excellent debut campaign in the IPL, taking 14 wickets from 10 matches at an economy rate of 9.60. 

Sherfane Rutherford: Dropped midway through the season, Sherfane Rutherford can be called in as an Impact Sub should MI need a hard-hitting batter in the death overs 

Shardul Thakur: An experienced IPL campaigner, Shardul Thakur has taken 10 wickets from eight matches this season, but has been expensive with the ball.

Robin Minz: Robin Minz has played two matches in this season’s IPL, but has failed to live up to expectations. 

Ashwani Kumar: A left-arm seamer, Ashwani Kumar has played only three games this season, but has still contributed six wickets, including a four-wicket haul against GT.

Predicted Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is RR’s designated Impact Player whilst chasing a total. The left-hander has scored 579 at a strike-rate of 236.32. 

Ravi Bishnoi: Ravi Bishnoi has a ton of IPL experience under his belt and has taken 11 wickets from nine matches this season. 

Tushar Deshpande: Tushar Deshpande has sporadically played for RR this season, taking four wickets from six outings in 2026.

Aman Rao Perala: USA-born batter, Aman Rao Perala has not made his RR debut just yet after getting picked in the mini auction for INR 30 lakh. 

Yudhvir Singh: Having played four times last season, Yudhvir Singh has not represented RR this season. 

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home Advantage: Out of the six matches played at the Wankhede Stadium this season, MI have won only twice.  
• Recent Form: RR have a 3-2 record in their favour against MI in their last five meetings. The visitors have also beaten the five-time champions earlier this season. 
• Balanced Side: RR have a slightly more balanced side compared to MI, as the playoffs beckon them. 
• Prediction: Considering these factors, expect a close game with the Rajasthan Royals to end the group stage with a win.