It is the application that is missing in our batting: Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma pointed out that it is the application that is missing in their batting line-up. The defending champions lost their third game of the season against Punjab Kings. With this defeat, Mumbai Indians have dropped to the fourth position in the points table. Asked to bat first, the five-time IPL champions managed to score 131 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. In their previous match against the Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai could only score 137 and suffered a significant defeat.

MI skipper Rohit Sharma has performed well in the ongoing IPL season. He has scored 201 runs at an average of 40.2 while striking at over 130 this season. However, the MI batting line-up has struggled on the Chennai pitch in all five matches. The team could barely surpass the 150-run mark in their first three games.

It was the team management's call to promote Ishan Kishan up the order: Suryakumar Yadav

The Mumbai-based franchise threw a surprise when Ishan Kishan walked out to bat at No.3 against Punjab Kings. Suryakumar Yadav has occupied the number three spot in MI's batting line-up in IPL 2021. However, it wasn't the case against Punjab Kings. Speaking during the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav explained the changes. He stated that it was the team management's call to promote Ishan Kishan up the order. 

However, the decision did not work in favor of MI. The wicketkeeper-batsman was dismissed for just 6 runs off 17 balls. Suryakumar Yadav, who walked in at No.4, continued his excellent form in the tournament. He scored 33 runs in 27 deliveries. He formed a crucial 79-run stand with skipper Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma's 63 and Suryakumar's great innings were the only positive point in the entire innings. MI's middle-order failed to perform once again. For Punjab Kings, Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammed Shami were the standout bowlers. The duo picked up two wickets each.

With the win, KL Rahul & Co. has somehow managed to get their IPL campaign up and alive. The Mohali-based franchise has jumped to the fifth spot, whereas the PBKS skipper is second in the list of Orange Cap. Mumbai Indians now have a six-day break before heading to Delhi to face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday. On the other hand, Punjab Kings will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on 26th April at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

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