Mumbai: Boosted by their surprise win over Rajasthan Royals following a string of reverses, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma says his team is still “very much in the tournament” in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
“Although things didn’t go our way, we have to now keep moving forward. You never know what can happen; we are still very much in the tournament,” said the Mumbai captain after the victory over the Royals.
A brisk 19-ball 40 by Sharma after a solid opening stand between Mike Hussey and Lendl Simons, helped MI set a challenging target against the ‘hosts’ here on Monday.
Having garnered eight points so far, the defending champions are looking forward to keep themselves in the hunt for a place in the playoffs. MI had a torrid time in the first leg of the event in UAE, failing to win a single game.
“I know that the squad we have got is a talented one and has a lot of potential. But we were not able to put things together at the start of the tournament. We lost five out of five games in the beginning — that was not acceptable. With a team like this, I wasn’t excepting such a performance. But it happens. We have to move on now.” They take on table toppers Kings XI Punjab at the latter’s home today.
Sharma said he had a pleasant experience with the Ahmedabad crowd. “Posting 178-odd runs on this wicket is never easy, because as you saw, the wicket was turning and it wasn’t easy to hit the ball. I am really happy with the way we batted today.”
Up to the challenge
Echoing his captain’s comments, Michael Hussey said: “We are not yet out of the play-offs. We still have faith [to make it to play-off stage] and that`s the atmosphere in our dressing room. We still have three matches left. However, instead of thinking about the play-offs, we will just try to focus on our next match and give our best to win it.”
The 38-year-old Australian said the pitch at Sardar Patel Stadium, where MI scored a competitive 178 for three riding on half-centuries from Lendl Simons (62) and Hussey (56), was not easy for batting.
“It was quite hot and the pitch was not easy for batsmen. It was a slow pitch. Me and Lendl [Simons] tried to take our partnership ahead. After 6 overs, I thought we will make around 160 runs. But, thanks to some good batting, we gave a good total to defend,” said Hussey, who credited Mumbai bowlers for the comfortable win,” he said.
“It`s hard to replace [Lasith] Malinga, but, [Krishmar] Santokie did a very good job today. He is a smart bowler. [Jasprit] Bumrah was also impressive. He is a great prospect for his country.”
Royals were never in the chase as they were restricted for 153 for 8. Karun Nair with 48 off 24 balls was the lone ranger. Brad Hodge (40) and James Faulkner (31) tried their bit but it was too late by then.
