The Mumbai Indians have now landed themselves in a rather awkward situation in the points table after falling to a crushing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite setting a huge target of 244 runs to chase.
Rather than enjoying a dominating tournament run as anticipated, the five-time champions are facing an incredibly frustrating series as they fail to get things right at crucial junctures. In eight games, the team has tasted defeat in six, and all signs point to a poor performance from both sides of the ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Once considered favourites before the tournament, the squad finds itself in the ninth position, with its playoff hopes in jeopardy. Moreover, the team is showing no signs of recovery, winning only once in their previous five matches.
Did Rohit’s absence add pressure on Hardik?
Hardik and his teammates have had issues functioning as a team, as poor teamwork has often cost them throughout this season.
They have already suffered two losses, even when their batter has scored a hundred, highlighting how their bowling lineup has been unable to stay composed during crucial moments of the game.
Apart from their two victories, the bowlers have been unable to gel together as a unit. Bumrah is not showing his usual edge, Boult is not performing up to the mark, Chahar and Thakur appear to be in decline, and Hardik’s poor bowling form has been adding to their woes.
The situation has become worse due to the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is out with an injury to his hamstring sustained in a match against RCB.
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Keep winning or go out; MI’s playoff scenario
Mumbai Indians cannot afford any slack from here onward, as now every match is a must-win despite being among the contenders for the playoffs.
The strategy to reach this point is quite clear, but not very simple at all. MI has to secure six consecutive wins from its remaining league matches and perform well in these games to enhance its net run rate.
By winning six successive league matches, MI would end up accumulating 16 points, which has always ensured their team's place among the top four in the league stage.
