IPL 2021: 'Can't win games with consistent batting failures' - Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians' Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign is in jeopardy after the team suffered another loss, their fourth in five games in the UAE leg. The story of the match for them was not different from what we have seen in the tournament so far, with the batters letting them down. Mi could only manage 129 runs in their 20 overs, which was never going to be enough against a strong Delhi Capitals batting lineup. The bowlers did gave a shot and kept DC under the pump but a composed knock by Shreyas Iyer helped DC go past the line.

Post the loss, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment on the batting collapse. MI batters have been off-colour in the season, with only six half-centuries hit by MI players in IPL 2021. “We always knew it was going to be a difficult venue. We've watched a lot of games here and we understand that it isn’t the easiest of grounds to play and get those runs you want. We came prepared, we knew exactly what to expect from the conditions, we spoke of those as to how we need to go about when we bat," said the MI skipper.

Continuing to rue the lack of runs from the batters, Rohit added, “We didn’t bat well. We didn’t create those partnerships. We always knew that it wasn’t a 170-180 wicket, but we knew 140 is a par score here. If your batters are not going to put runs on the board, it will be difficult to win games consistently. We have struggled with our batting this season. I personally accept that,” said Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation.

The two-time defending champions are on the verge of a group stage exit. The skipper feels the team has not played to their potential in the season despite doing enough preparations. The skipper said the team will look to play fearless cricket in the final two games.

“We are preparing very well. We are just not able to execute in the middle, a little disappointing. We just look to play the game we are known to; something’s missing in our game. We are not playing to our potential that we are known for. That is something that is missing in the UAE leg. Hopefully, in the next two games, we can come out and play the way we are known for,” Rohit Sharma added.

MI cannot qualify for the playoffs on their own, even if they win both their games. Their chances will depend on the results of KKR and PBKS matches. The Blue Brigade play their next game against Rajasthan Royals at the same venue on Tuesday.