The winner of this contest will be assured of not just the playoff berth, they will also get the privilege of finishing in the top two and earning themselves the cushion of getting two cracks to contest the final.
On the face of it, it's a battle between a team that loves playing at home (MI are unbeaten in seven games at Wankhede this season) and another (Royals have lost four of their six away games) that doesn't like travelling.
The teams also have contrasting strategies. MI like to bat first while Royals like to chase. There are intriguing sub-plots too. Both teams feature game-breakers that love hitting in the V. Indeed, Shane Watson (RR, 483 runs from 12 games) and Pollard (286 runs from 13 matches) have introduced method to the madness of hitting sixes, like the world's T20 emperor Chris Gayle. Hitting straight and cutting out the cute shots has paid them dividends and nowhere will the ploy be more rewarding than at the Wankhede, an arena with short straight boundaries.
MI and Royals also possess lethal left-arm seamers, both Aussies. Mitchell Johnson (20 wkts from 13 games) has been a trailblazer for the hosts. If his rediscovered inswing can sneak past the fragile defence of Ajinkya Rahane and the solid one of Rahul Dravid early, it could be a game-changing moment. Likewise, James Faulkner (19 wkts, 12 matches) has been talismanic for the Royals. His back-of-the-hand slower ones are difficult to pick and he's also one of the best death bowlers.
Team: Mumbai
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Coach: John Wright
X Factor
The best news for MI is the return of Kieron Pollard at his best. So far on a snooze cruise, the Trinidadian power- house finally woke up as he won the game for MI on Monday in a matter of eight blows.
Recent form
Mumbai have been unscathed in seven games in their backyard this season but they very nearly came a cropper against Sunrisers on Monday. A win on Wednesday will assure them of the first or second spot on the table.
Weakness
The dip in form of opener Dwayne Smith and middle order bat Ambati Rayudu must be causing a bit of concern for the team management and it remains to be seen whether Ricky Ponting makes a return to the playing XI after sitting out many games due to lack of form.
Key Players
Mumbai bowling has been pivotal in their success so far. Pacers Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga (20 and 13 wickets have manned the attack splendidly) and the spin twins of Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha (17 and 14) have complemented the quicker bowlers well.
Team: Rajasthan
Captain: Rahul Dravid
Coach: Paddy Upton
Recent form
Royals are heading into the game with a thumping win over tournament favourites Chennai Super King. Their confidence is bound to be high as they eye the top slot in the table.
X-Factor
Ajinkya Rahane (left, with Dravid), will play on his home ground. The Mumbai opener has been the most consistent batsman for RR with 433 runs from 14 games. Rahane has shown in the past that he has a good sense of occasion and he could make a difference.
Key Players
Stuart Binny, with his ability to finish games, has been a revelation this season. The 28-year-old has served as a vital cog with his all-round prowess, scoring 219 runs and picking 5 wickets. Ashes-bound James Faulkner (19 wickets) and Kevon Cooper (16) have shared the new ball duties impressively. Shane Watson too has finally come into his own.
Weakness
A lack of quality spinner has been hurting the Royals. They may play local lad Ankeet Chavan for this game and that can be a huge risk. Rahul Dravid's side has also struggled away from home.
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