Mumbai Indians, after a mediocre start in this years IPL, have now won 6 games on the trot. As of today, they are the table leaders land experts are of the view that the Hardick Pandya led boys under the guidance of Mahela Jayawardename are firm favourites to win the title this year.
The big question is how the tide turns in favour of the Mumbai Indians. Is it the luck of the so-called Goddest of Prosperity or the owner of the franchise? Definitely not, it is Jasprit Bumrah striking form and Rohit Sharma is taking extra responsibility at the top with Suriyakumar Yadav calling the shots against spin with his new found technique in sweeping to perfection.
The inclusion of Will Jacks, the finish line contribution of Hardick Pandya, the middle order stability of Thilak Varma inclusive of the overseas contribution from Trent Boult with his seam, and the spin to win method of Mitch Santner has been significantly key to their success.
Yesterday, put into bat on good batting conditions, they made Rajasthan Royals sweat with fantastic partnerships, the key ingredients in building match winning totals.
Openers Ryan Rickleton and Rohit Sharma made 116 for the first wicket. Rickleton 61, Sharma 53 were separated only in the 12th over when Mahees Theekshana bowled Rickleton, whilst Sharma also departed after his excellent stay at the wickets with Mumbai Indians on top with 123 and plenty of fire power in the bank.
Suriyakumar Yadav and skipper Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten on a similar score of 48 each to get Mumbai Indians to a defendable total of 217 for 2 .wickets.
Rajasthan Royals fell like nine pins against the Mumbai seam attack of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.
None of the top order batters had a good day on a good batting pitch and were bowled out for 117, thus conceding the game by 100 runs.
Jofra Archer made 30, sadly, Rajasthan Royals lost 5 wickets in the power play overs. The writing on the wall came very early in their Innings.
Jaiswal , Suriyavansie, Nitesh Rana, and Shimron Hetmyyer had a bad outing, in fact, a bad day in office.
Mitchell Santner had a little niggle but his job was done by Karen Sharma who scalped 3 for 23 , with Jasprit Bumrah 2 for 15 and Trent Boult 3 for 28.
With this win Mumbai Indians head the points table.