IPL 2021: Batters Let Us Down, That's Been Happening Consistently - Rohit Sharma After 54-Run Loss vs RCB

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma lamented the disastrous middle-order batting failure as they collapsed from 57/0 to 111 all-out conceding a massive 54-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday in Dubai.

Rohit Sharma applauded his bowlers for their “fantastic bowling effort” in keeping RCB’s total to 165 with late wickets after at one stage they looked set for a much bigger total. Bumrah single-handedly put brakes on the run-scoring with the wickets of Maxwell and de Villiers on consecutive deliveries in the 19^th over.

But MI’s innings fell off the rail once Quinton de Kock got out after a 57-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma, who was caught in deep when the total was 79. MI’s middle-order, one which was their strength last season, has been disappointing throughout this season.

“Thought [it] was a fantastic bowling effort from us. At one stage they looked like scoring 180-plus. Batters let us down. That’s been something that’s been happening consistently (losing their way with the bat). Have had a good chat with the batters. Those who are in need to carry on. They kept the pressure on us once a couple of wickets fell. Need to bounce back from whatever situation we’re in. We’ve done that in the past. Just not happening this season,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match press conference.

We want to back Kishan’s natural game: Rohit Sharma

While Ishan Kishan has been selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad, his IPL 2021 has been underwhelming so far – he has scored 107 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 86.99. Today, he was also promoted over Suryakumar Yadav. The MI skipper threw his support behind the left-hander.

“He’s a talented player (Ishan Kishan). He’s had a terrific IPL last year. We want to back his natural game which is why he came up the order above Surya. Don’t want to put too much pressure on the guy. Relatively young, making his way in international cricket,” Sharma concluded.

Mumbai Indians have now gone down to the 7th spot with 4 wins in 10 games. Next, they will face Punjab Kings on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: IPL 2021: The Runs In The Second-Last Over Turned Out To Be Match-Winning – Ravindra Jadeja