Mumbai Indians lost to Rajasthan Royals by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed IPL match on Tuesday, and their skipper Hardik Pandya said the bowlers were not up to the mark.
The match was delayed by two hours making it a 11-overs-a-side contest where the Royals put in to bat scored 150 for 3.
“We did not execute the deliveries we were supposed to (in powerplay). They (RR openers) played well. Bowlers need to take responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not up to the mark,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
“I would not put this game on the batting. Definitely the bowling unit which had to take responsibility. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we would have executed, we would have been in the game.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal (77* off 32 balls) and young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (39 off 14 balls) put on 80 runs for the opening wicket in just five overs to set up Rajasthan Royal’s win.
“They (RR openers) also played tremendously. Their openers threw us off our game and we were playing catch-up,” Hardik said.
The MI skipper also lauded Sooryavanshi for his fearless batting: “Quite fascinating to see a 17 or 16-year-old boy (15-year-old) play that way. Amazing to see the way he bats, the fearlessness he has. Wish him good luck for the future.”
What would be Mumbai’s approach in the next game, Pandya said, “Just learn from the mistakes. Morning will come tomorrow, sun will rise, prepare well for the next game.”
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said the Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi combination is the number one opening pair in the tournament.
“Number one. They have got age on their side. Vaibhav is incredible. It is not one-way slogging. Jaiswal has been doing it for 3-4 years now. The skill they have plus their maturity – they are the best going around.
“We have a strong and young core. Hopefully we can keep on performing like this.”
On his side’s new ball bowlers approach, he said, “Jofra’s messaging is to go out and bowl as fast as they can. Someone (like him and Burger) who bowls more than 140-145 and has control is crazy.”
