Even in their records of poor starts, this has gone a bit higher – they have previously overcome the sequence of five consecutive defeats in 2014 as compared to this year when they lost six consecutive games.
The commentators have been in awe of the discussion that the five times title winner is in trouble. A more precise description would be that Mumbai Indians are in a serious problem where they seem no chance for this year’s title.
Even in their records of poor starts, this has gone a bit higher – they have previously overcome the sequence of five consecutive defeats in 2014 as compared to this year when they lost six consecutive games.
Delhi Daredevils in 2013 and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019 had the same terrible experiences but 0-6 for MI is unacceptable in the IPL. Not only have they been the most successful side in the league but also the most high-profile franchise in the Indian Premier League.
“Life has not ended; the sun is going to rise again. This is only a game of cricket, someone has to win and someone has to lose. We have not lost everything in life, just lost a cricket game. That’s the spirit that is there in our team,”
Jasprit Bumrah said, looking at the existential side of the team’s situation.
“Nobody is disappointed as we are. Nobody from outside can see the hard work we put in. There is luck here and there. It is the way it is, we are not shying away. We were not good enough and the table (points table) is not lying. In the rest of the games, we will give our best shot and try to come out better,”
Bumrah said analyzing the situation.
Nothing seems to be going in the right direction so far either batting or bowling with the off-color Rohit Sharma at the top having failed to impress his fans. Or the Jofra Archer’s auction strategy backfired for the franchise.
MI is hoping that the Bumrah-Archer combination with the attack could be the most fearsome pair. But that will have to wait for another 12 months. After an investment of INR 8 crore on the English pacer, the outcome has not come this year. Archer had announced earlier that he will be available for the franchise next year and MI has been deprived of a qualified batsman or bowler who could replace him.
“When you are chasing a total we need big partnerships, something we failed to do today,”
said skipper Rohit Sharma after the defeat to Lucknow Super Giants at the Brabourne stadium. He had a template for the success in the opposition camp – one opener (KL Rahul) carried the bat and in the process scored a century too.
Rohit and Ishan Kishan have not been in the similar touch although the latter tried that in the first game against Delhi Capitals on March 27, when he had smashed 81 and batted nearly till the end.
Since then, even Ishan, the costliest auction buy this year, failed to prove his worth with the bat – he had one more half century in the second game (vs Rajasthan Royals), but his form has gone down since then.
Mumbai’s PowerPlay scores have been rather ordinary – 53/0 vs DC, 50/2 vs RR, 35/1 vs KKR, 49/0 vs RCB, 42/2 vs PBKS and 47/2 vs LSG.
With the ball, the team has not had the best starts either and there has been a debate if Bumrah should open with the new ball. The team management has also tried different bowlers – Tymal Mills, the Twenty20 specialist from England, has played five games and his economy rate has been 11.17.
Basil Thampi started the season well but has failed to retain his place. Daniel Sams has been a let-down, having gone for 12.63 economy rate, picking up only one wicket in three games. He was at the receiving end when Pat Cummins went on a rampage in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 6.
“I am ready to bowl in any situation,” said Bumrah, who is being introduced rather late into the attack.
“I will do exactly what gives the best balance to the team. I am ready to take up the role that is in the team’s interest. We will analyze if I should start with the new ball. I am very happy with my rhythm,”
Bumrah said. He has not had the support that was there in the previous years, Trent Boult for instance.