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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the carnival of cricketing excellence, attracting top talents from around the globe and providing a platform for them to shine. Over the years, the cash rich league has seen numerous cricketers don the jerseys of multiple franchises. Two prominent teams, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have shared several players who have left their mark on both franchises.
Inaugural champions RR and 5-times champion MI, have been a breeding ground for exceptional talent. Both franchises have showcased brilliant strokeplay, tight bowling and blistering fielding, giving rise to some of the most promising stars in the cricketing world.
4 players who have represented both RR and MI in IPL T20:
1 .Trent Boult: The lethal left-arm pacer
Trent Boult, nicknamed as ‘Thunderboult,’ New Zealand’s pace spearhead, joined MI in 2020 via a trade from Delhi Capitals (DC). His swing bowling was pivotal in MI’s title-winning campaign, taking 25 wickets in 15 matches, including a Player of the Match performance in the final. Boult’s economy of 8.31 and ability to strike upfront complemented Jasprit Bumrah. In IPL 2022 Auction, RR acquired Boult, and he became a cornerstone of their pace attack, taking 45 wickets in 42 matches through 2024. Boult’s move from MI’s championship setup to RR’s rebuilding phase showcased his adaptability across team dynamic. In 2025 the pacer returned to MI as usual doing a wonderful job for the side in the powerplay.
2. Akash Madhwal: A talented fast bowler
Akash Madhwal, an uncapped Indian pacer, rose to prominence with MI in 2023, filling in for the injured Bumrah. His 14 wickets in eight matches, including a 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), showcased his yorker-heavy death bowling. In IPL 2025 Auction, RR signed Madhwal for ₹1.20 crore, bolstering their pace attack alongside Archer. His domestic experience with Uttarakhand and raw pace suited RR’s need for reliable Indian bowlers. Madhwal’s shift from MI’s high-pressure environment to RR’s balanced setup reflects his growing reputation.
3. Nitish Rana: The aggressive batter
Nitish Rana, a left-handed batter, played for MI from 2016 to 2017, scoring 437 runs in 17 matches, with a best of 70 off 36 against Gujarat Lions (GT) in 2017. His middle-order role was limited by MI’s stacked lineup, leading to his release. In 2025, RR signed Rana for ₹4.20 crore to add flexibility to their batting, slotting him as a floater between positions three to six. Rana’s 2,199 runs in 90 IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) (2018–24) and his part-time off-spin make him a strategic fit for RR’s matchup-based approach. His move from MI’s reserves to RR’s core underscores RR’s focus on versatile domestic talent.
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4. Jofra Archer: The versatile pacer
Jofra Archer, the Barbados-born England pacer, was RR’s MVP in 2018–20, taking 46 wickets in 36 matches, including a 3/15 in the 2020 Eliminator. His 150 km/h pace and death-over mastery made him a global T20 star. Injuries limited his RR impact post-2020, and he was released. MI signed Archer for ₹8 crore in 2022, but he played only in 2023, taking two wickets in five matches while recovering from elbow surgery. His 2023 stint supported MI’s playoff run, though he was overshadowed by Madhwal. RR re-signed Archer for ₹12.50 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, banking on his fitness to lead their attack. Archer’s dual tenure reflects both teams’ faith in his game-changing ability.
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