IPL 2019 | We have to be aggressive and positive, claims Ben Stokes

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League is shaping up to be a tight-knit affair as at least six teams find themselves in the mix for a spot in the play-off stage of the tournament. However, while Royal Challengers Bangalore are more or less out of consideration for a spot in the knockout stage, Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan Royals still have an outside chance of making the top four if they improve their results in the coming weeks.

England all-rounder and RR squad member Ben Stokes are adamant that his side must ‘treat every game like a final’ if they intend to reach the knockout stage of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League.

"Yes, we are in a must-win situation and we have to treat every match as final and which, I guess, puts any sort of negative thought process above our head. We have only one way to go and that is aggressive and positive," Stokes told PTI sources.

The winners of the inaugural edition of the IPL have just won two games from eight matches played and currently occupy the seventh spot in the league table. The Rajasthan-based franchise has been unfortunate this year having lost some close games like the match against Chennai Super Kings recently.

"If you look at most of the games we lost, we have lost at the crucial moments. In T20 games two-three or four balls can dictate the winner, and unfortunately, we have not been the team to win those critical moments.

"But if you lose those moments consistently then you deserve to be where we are. It is unfortunate and disappointing because every player has given his absolute best. It is not lack of effort or lack of commitment," Stokes added.

Paddy Upton’s boys will face off against Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians on Saturday who are fresh off a win against Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.