Mumbai Indians has seemingly got back to winning ways in IPL 2021 in UAE. On Tuesday, it trumped Punjab Kings by six wickets. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma has vowed that MI would keep fighting.
It was a sweet comeback win for defending champion Mumbai Indians. On Tuesday, it overpowered Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets in Match 42 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
As a result of this win, MI has climbed to the fifth spot of the points table, continuing to stay in contention for playoffs. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed that the side has a lot of work to do, and it would keep fighting.
"As a team, we didn't play to our potential, but these things happen when you play in such a format where you're competing hard. It's important to stay within the group and stick with each other. It's a long tournament. Yes, we didn't have the run we would have liked, but we have been in this situation many times to take confidence from that. The guys we have in the squad are ready to fight," he said after the game.
"The way Hardik understood the situation was important from the team perspective and for himself also. It's important he spent some time in the middle. It was a tough call to drop Ishan Kishan, but we felt we needed a chance somewhere as a team. But, he looks very confident when you talk to him. Saurabh was batting well. He got a 50 against CSK. We wanted someone who could nudge around, and he played that role perfectly. I'm not ruling out anyone. We want Ishan to be back in form and playing for MI," he added.
He also praised the pitches in the gulf, terming them better than England. He also lauded the performance by all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who delivered in every department during the game and playing a proper veteran role.
"The pitches here are better than what we played in England! Towards the end of last year, it was pretty similar to what we are getting now. We need to change our tactics. There will be lots of change-ups from the opposition based on our batting line-up," he continued.
"Pollard's one of our key players. He has been a crucial part of MI for so many years. Give him the ball, give him the bat; he's ready to do the job. Those two wickets (Rahul and Gayle) were crucial. He'll be happy getting the Man of the Match for his bowling performance," he concluded.