Abu Dhabi: Mumbai Indians, arguably the best T20 outfit in the history of the format, carried out a clinical decimation of Delhi Capitals by 57 runs in the first qualifier, to set sights on their fifth Indian Premier League title.
Rohit Sharma, the winning captain, said, ‘I guess this is the best performance. The way de Kock and SKY took the momentum after I got out early was good to see. Perfect result for us. We never had a target in mind. We are a different team and we play differently. We just wanted to have a good powerplay and then take it from there. We knew we have the power to accelerate at the end. Ishan has been in just great form, so we just wanted him to be really positive after the second time-out. We told that to Krunal as well, just bat positively and put the bowlers under pressure. With such a versatile squad, we can change the batting and bowling order. I’ve not seen him (Boult). But he seems okay. I don’t think it’s a big problem. Three day rest and he should be back on the park. Bumrah and Boult have been in solid form. They play for different teams so they have different plans. We as a team have different plans and it’s great to see them execute those.’
Shreyas Iyer, the losing captain, said, ‘ I don’t want to speak negatively about the team, but going forward it’s important to come with a strong mindset. It’s never too late, and we’ll see to it that we come back strongly. I think we were on top when we got two quick wickets, and they were 102-4. We could have capitalized more at that time, and gotten two more wickets – maybe we could’ve chased around 170, but it’s part and parcel of the game. Every night can’t be yours. We keep talking about the opportunities that we get and it’s important to have a good mindset. It’s not easy to be in the bubble and follow the same routine, but the practice we have done over the last few days, I’m really happy with the boys and their preparations. Ravi Ashwin was a positive for us tonight – he plays around with the batsmen’s head a lot, really good to have him in the team, and he’s quite an asset for us, especially me as a captain. All their batsmen are in great touch and Hardik/Pollard down the order are incredible. You can’t control the situation when all the batsmen are in good touch, but we’ll look to do better in the next game’.
Jasprit Bumrah, Player of the Match, said, ‘I am okay with not getting wickets and winning the tournament, I have been given a role so I just want to execute that role. Opening yorker was really important. I decided I will do that early in the game and when it comes off it’s always nice. I am always ready when the captain wants me to bowl. I don’t focus on the end result. When I have done that it’s always gone downhill. I have a great camaraderie with Boult. We discuss fields, situations, so there’s a lot to learn from him. Batsmen have been taking all the awards, so it’s good to get it as a bowler (laughs). Ah no, I don’t worry about awards. As long as the team is winning I am happy.’