Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan (Credits: BCCI)

Mitchell McClenaghan, on Sunday (May 20), extended an apology to the die-hard fans after Mumbai Indians (MI) crashed out of Indian Premier League (IPL) following the loss against Delhi Daredevils (DD) at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

The defending champions Indians had started the season on the worst possible note. In fact, they looked like becoming the first side to exit the tournament after the disastrous first half.

The Rohit Sharma-led side was looking well out of the playoffs race after losing six of their opening eight games. However, a remarkable turnaround in the later stage of the tournament put them in a good spot for making it to the playoffs.

Four wins in the next five games left them with their fate in their own hands when they took the field against Daredevils in their last league game on Sunday.

With their Net Run-Rate being far better than other playoff contenders, a mere win over the bottom-placed team would have taken them to the playoffs.

However, Indians came up with yet another indifferent batting display to lose the game by 11 runs.

Mumbai Indians IPL 2018
Credits: BCCI

Batting first, the Daredevils overcame a shaky start to post a strong 174 four on the board. In-form Rishabh Pant starred with the bat, scoring 64. After that, two wrist spinners – Amit Mishra and Lamichhane – ran through the Mumbai lineup to leave them reeling at 78 for five at one stage.

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Both the spinners went on to finish the game with three wickets apiece. Ben Cutting (37 off 20), revived Mumbai’s hopes for a while but Harshal Patel held his nerve to guide his side to an 11-run win and dump Mumbai out of the tournament.

Delhi Daredevils
Credits: BCCI

Following the loss, Mumbai Indians pacer, McClenaghan took to Twitter to issue an apology and claim that the players gave their cent percent.

Kiwis pick is also hopeful that the team would do well next season, tweeting:

“To all the @mipaltan fans – apologies we didn’t get there in the end. Just know we played our hearts out every game and I’m sure the squad next year will do you proud.”

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