India’s cricketing sensation and Mumbai Indians’ dependable opener, Rohit Sharma, faced a setback in the IPL clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) due to a “mild back stiffness,” as revealed by leg-spinner Piyush Chawla. Rohit, playing as an impact substitute, managed a modest 11 runs off 12 balls in the second innings during their encounter, resulting in a 24-run loss against KKR, a defeat that almost seals Mumbai Indians’ fate in this year’s IPL.
Addressing the media post-match at the Wankhede Stadium, Chawla clarified Rohit’s absence, citing it as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that with their hopes of qualifying dwindling, the team is left to play for pride and reputation.
“For pride and reputation, because sometimes when you enter the field, you don’t think whether you are going to qualify or not. You have to play for your name, and that’s what we are playing for,” stated Piyush Chawla.
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Analyzing Mumbai Indians’ lacklustre performance this IPL season, Piyush Chawla attributed their struggles to the failure in gaining momentum.
“T20 is all about momentum, and unfortunately, we didn’t get that momentum going this season,” he lamented. “It can happen to any team. It’s not like it’s happening to us for the first time or any other team for the second time. It can happen to anyone, and it’s just that that momentum was not our way.”
Despite the team’s challenges, Piyush Chawla celebrated a personal milestone, becoming IPL’s second-leading wicket-taker, surpassing Dwayne Bravo with 184 wickets.
Reflecting on the game, Chawla commended Manish Pandey for his performance in his first appearance this season. Pandey’s partnership with Venkatesh Iyer (70) was crucial, adding 83 runs for the sixth wicket as KKR posted 169 all out in 19.5 overs.
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“It was a good partnership, and credit has to go to them because they batted beautifully,” acknowledged Piyush Chawla. “T20 is something where experience plays a big role, which is what we saw today. When Manish walked in, maybe if somebody walked in who must have played few games, he would have panicked that runs were not coming.”
Piyush Chawla emphasized Pandey’s ability to adapt to the situation, highlighting his strategic approach in anchoring the innings alongside Iyer.
