IPL 2018 | The way Ishan Kishan batted that was the changing point, says Rohit Sharma

05/10/2018

Rohit Sharma was delighted after Mumbai Indians registered a massive 102-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders and pointed out Ishan Kishan’s knock as the changing point of the match. Kishan scored 62 runs off 21 balls, which included 6 sixes and 5 fours and helped Mumbai gain momentum to get to 210.

For the first time, Mumbai Indians went into the top four of the points table this season displacing Kolkata Knight Riders, courtesy to their massive 102 run victory at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. As usual, Mumbai didn’t have a great start to their season winning only one in of their first six games before turning things for themselves and winning four of their last 5 matches. Rohit Sharma stated that it’s not easy to be in a must-win situation all the time, but was happy that the players responded when they needed it the most.

"As a team, we tend to pick up during the month of May. Hope we do it sooner. Never easy to be on the line all the time and be desperate for wins towards the second half. Would like to start the tournament on a high. But in the past three years, we've been at the bottom of the table. I'm glad we came together and performed as a team today," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Batting first, Ishan Kishan’s knock of 21-ball 62 gave life to the Mumbai innings and later some fireworks in the end from Ben Cutting, who smashed 25 runs off 9 balls, to help Mumbai reach an above par total of 210/6. Rohit Sharma rightly pointed out that Ishan Kishan’s innings, in which he brought up his fifty in 17 balls, the joint second fastest along with Sunil Narine to do so, was the turning point of the match. The skipper also praised the valuable contributions from Ben Cutting in the end.

"Without a doubt, the way Ishan Kishan batted fearlessly, that was the changing point. I was assessing the pitch at that point, ball was sticking in the pitch, it wasn't easy, but he changed the game. We were 65 after first ten overs, but scoring 145 in last ten overs is a magnificent effort by all the batters. Ben Cutting as well, he hasn't been getting much opportunities as well, it's not easy to come out and play shots like that," Rohit added.

Chasing the huge target, Kolkata’s innings never really took off with Sunil Narine falling on the second ball of the first over. Chris Lynn tried to bring Kolkata back into the game but was unlucky as he had to walk off after a run out at 21 following a mix up with Robin Uthappa. Uthappa’s poor run continued as he fell to Mayank Markhande for 14, while Andre Russell got out to Hardik Pandya for 2, which almost ascertained Mumbai’s victory. The rest in line, Dinesh Karthik (5), Nitish Rana (21) and Rinku Singh (5), all failed to put up a challenge for Mumbai bowlers.

With this win, MI maintained their winning streak record against KKR as they clinched eighth successive win. This was also Mumbai’s second largest win in terms of runs. Rohit further stated that the team was prepared to play quality cricket and insisted that the team has stuck together in the last few games.

"We as a team are prepared to post a total or chase down what is put in front of us. Can't do much with the toss. Have to come out here and play good cricket. Last few games, the team has come together and taken responsibility," Rohit said.

Mumbai Indians next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 13.