IPL 2018: Now We Need to Depend on Luck - Ravichandran Ashwin

The veteran Yuvraj Singh couldn’t repeat his vintage hit, as Ravichandran Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab lost yet another game against host Mumbai Indians by three runs.

Early on, a timely fifty by Kieron Pollard turned out to be the difference. Surya Kumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan chipped in with the 20s while Krunal Pandya’s 32 ensured a steady end for the defending champions.

It was a stellar night for Jasprit Bumrah, who bagged three wickets and leaked just 15 runs from his four overs. The death-over specialist got the big wickets of KL Rahul and Aaron Finch.

The Australian export made 46 off 35 balls. Finch departed at a crucial juncture in the game, and the tide shifted in Mumbai’s favour from then.

Rahul’s efforts goes in vain

The rest of the Mumbai bowlers weren’t much impressive and they went for plenty. In-form batsman, KL Rahul stepped up once again. He was unfortunate to miss out on a ton. The opener played around the ground and smashed ten fours and three sixes to get to 94.

Ashwin, who had to end up on the losing note on numerous occasions recently said he is gutted.

He credited Bumrah for his miser spell. The all-rounder applauded Rahul and Finch’s effort but said now they need a bit of luck to make it to the playoffs.

“Pretty blank at this point in time. We were in the chase all along; it was a professional batting performance. Just didn’t work out in the end. It looked it was going to be a clinical romp but credit to Bumrah – once again proved what a good bowler he is. Today was one of those days where he had to cap off a victory and do it for ourselves; now we need to depend on some luck. 

We were very abstract about our performance the last match and spoke about our best batsmen taking it deep. Credit to Rahul and Finch. It’s very difficult to say what Rahul has done right or wrong – he’s hardly mistimed a ball this season.” Ashwin said after getting handed a 3-run defeat.