MI vs RR | It's good that Kolkata Knight Riders play before us, says Rohit Sharma as IPL 2021 playoffs race intensifies
Rohit Sharma lauded his bowlers for their combined effort, as Mumbai Indians outplayed Rajasthan Royals to secure an eight-wicket win in Sharjah on Tuesday. Rohit further said that Kolkata Knight Riders playing their last league game before MI's clash against SRH, would give them more clarity ahead.
Jimmy Neesham and Nathan Coulter Nile stood out with the ball after Rohit Sharma opted to field, combining for seven wickets while conceding just 26 runs in eight overs between them. The Rajasthan Royals were restricted to a mere 90/9 in a must-win game.
In reply, Mumbai Indians finished the 91-run chase in mere 8.2 overs, with Ishan Kishan striking five fours and three sixes during his unbeaten 25-ball 50.Â
Skipper Rohit Sharma was extremely pleased with the wicketkeeper-batsman returning to form, and credited his bowlers for setting up a crucial win.
"We had to come here and do what we had to do, which was to get the two points,” said Rohit after the win. “It was a chance to improve our run rate as well. We got off to a flier, and we said there is a chance for us to up the run rate. It was the perfect game for us to do that. Kishan is playing after a couple of games, so we wanted him to take his time. I didn't say anything to him [after he played a maiden]. All we wanted for him was to play his shots, which is what he did.”
“When you are under the radar, it is important to do your job. We have been doing well and preparing well. All the bowlers came together and used the conditions well.”
MI’s net run-rate (NRR) took a massive boost from -0.453 to -0.048, and helped them climb two spots to take the fifth position in the points table. However, they’d still have to depend on the Kolkata Knight Riders’ last game result (against RR), even if they do win their last league fixture against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Abu Dhabi on Friday, October 8.
“(On playing Sunrisers Hyderabad last) All eight teams are capable of beating each other. But the good thing is that KKR plays before us, so we know what to do," Rohit said.
Coulter Nile, who accounted for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Glenn Phillips, David Miller and Chetan Sakariya earlier, reflected on a highly disciplined spell.
“Just tried to keep it simple. Was a tough wicket to bat on,” said Coulter Nile as he received the Player of the Match award. “Just tried to change the pace a little. It was sticking a little. I am not fussed when I am bowled. There are world-class bowlers in our side and I hope they can pick a few wickets up front to make my job easier.”