Another high octane clash has ended. MI have clinched another win by scaling down another highish total. But the impact player rule has ensured that big scores have been scored quite regularly this season. But MI seem to be clicking as a unit and that should be great news for their fans. Their skipper is misfiring but the others seem to be hitting the right targets with the bat. The bowlers can do better but who cares when they have such a prolific batting line up to boast of. Punjab have had hits and misses this season. This one goes into the miss category. A big miss though as they had amassed 214 on the board. In mid table muddle, they had a chance to get away but remain on 10 points. The earlier game in the day has forced the experts already to bring out the imaginary calculators as both CSK and LSG had to share points. The IPL is just about to getting to that point where every win or loss will be a defining blow. We will be there to detail it out to you. But for now, we will breeze away. Our team of Raju Peethala, Nikhil Jadhav, KAD and Harish will bow out for the day!
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Ishan Kishan, Player of the Match: The wicket was too good for batting, I kept for 20 overs and knew the wicket was good. If it is in my arc, I will go for it. He (Rishi) was swinging the ball, I thought of stepping out as the keeper wasn’t near. The message was to watch the ball and hit. I think it doesn’t matter much when you are chasing 215 (whether the fielder is there or not in the areas you try and hit big shots). Last game we did well and finished in the last over. I try to finish it as soon as possible. I think fitness is very important. We keep on training hard. We also try to work out during the match. Credit goes to mom’s food as it is important to eat well.
Rohit Sharma: When we started the T20 format, 150 was a winning score. One extra batter makes a huge difference as well. The average score is around 180 this season, I was checking. SKY has been doing that for a couple of overs. To play behind the wicket is his strength. He utilised it well. Kishan and SKY batted brilliantly. Before the start of the season, we had a chat as to how we wanted to play our cricket. Not to think of the results too much. We want to go out there and just express ourselves. You will lose games here and there. We want to stick to this template. Kishan is powerful. He practises those kind of shots. He has been working really hard for the last couple of weeks. I wouldn’t say a worrying factor. But we need to think how to shut down overs. Three to four games we have conceded more than 200. When the pressure is on, you need to execute what is best for you.
Suryakumar Yadav: Really happy we ended up on the winning side, but feel I should have finished the game. When I went in, it was important to bat with a positive mindset and obviously support Ishan who was batting really well. I always prepare for these situations, all the plans are very clear and I just try to be myself when I walk out to bat. I had to support Ishan and also bat with a similar strike-rate to bring the game close in the end. I actually don’t have the power game, I like to time the ball and play with the field. Really happy that the partnership helped for the winning cause.
