Mumbai Indians finished their IPL 2024 campaign on the same note as how they started – with a loss. Despite having the home advantage while playing their last game, Hardik Pandya and co. failed to taste success. Well, while the negatives outweigh the positives for the home, there is still something to cheer about – for Indians and not Mumbai Indians in particular.
India’s T20I skipper Rohit Sharma had an awful IPL so far. With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, millions pinned their hopes on the Hitman to break free of the shackles of poor form. And that’s exactly what he did. His MI teammates, though, did not have a good day on the field. And like always, a West Indies star has to stand out in big crucial games and this time it was Nicholas Pooran. Now, the focus shifts to the crucial RCB vs CSK clash whose result will determine which is the last side that will seal their berth in the playoffs. On this note, take a look at some of the top headlines from Friday.
Rohit Sharma’s last dance for MI?
Speculations were pretty rife about if the game against LSG could be Rohit Sharma’s last dance for the MI. With that came the additional burden of the expectations to see the Indian skipper go all guns blazing, keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup and Rohi’s crucial role in it. The Hitman did not disappoint. The ex-MI skipper provided the perfect start for MI, scoring a whirlwind 58-run knock off 38 deliveries. The entertaining knock was met with a raucous reception from the crowd, which included the fans giving a standing ovation to Rohit Sharma as he headed back to the pavilion, perhaps for the last time in MI colours.
Fiery Arjun Tendulkar goes cold
After warming the bench for the entire IPL 2024 season, Arjun Tendulkar was finally given an opportunity in MI’s last game. The pacer started off very well and maintained an aggressive intent through his first two overs despite being taken to the cleaners. However, Arjun’s comeback lasted shortly as he was forced to walk off the field midway, probably due to cramps.
Pooran lights up Wankhede
Nicholas Pooran terrorized the MI bowlers at a place that they call their fortress. The Caribbean star unleashed a furious onslaught on the hosts, smashing eight sixes and five fours en route to his 75-run knock off just 29 deliveries. Pooran was instrumental in helping LSG reach the mammoth 214-run target.
No rain threat to RCB vs CSK?
The highly-anticipated RCB vs CSK match in Bengaluru might not be affected by rain after all, thanks to the drainage system at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. The match is a crucial one for both the sides as their qualification to the playoffs will be determined by the result of the game. A video of the SubAir drainage system working efficiently to drain out a pool of water in the outfield has emerged on social media. This comes a relief to RCB fans, who are currently petrified with the forecast of rain for the day of the match.
Hardik Pandya and captaincy
Hardik Pandya had a season to forget as the skipper of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. He was traded to MI from Gujarat Titans and had a poor outing. The 5-time champions became the first team to be knocked out from the race for the top 4. However, Hardik has claimed that that his captaincy is simple and he is not a result-oriented person.
Can Rajat Patidar do it for RCB?
Rajat Patidar’s impact goes beyond just runs. He’s the third Indian player ever to score five or more fifties for RCB in a single season, a feat even more impressive considering his position at number four. His strike rate of 192 from this position far surpasses other middle-order batsmen. Additionally, his 26 sixes in the middle overs are the most in the tournament.
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