IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma underlines the evolution of T20 cricket after Mumbai Indians complete back-to-back 200+ run chase

On the back of sensational stroking-making displays from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians (MI) chased down a daunting target of 215 runs and defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on May 3 (Wednesday).

SportsTak

• Thu • 04 May 2023

On the back of sensational stroking-making displays from Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, Mumbai Indians (MI) chased down a daunting target of 215 runs and defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on May 3 (Wednesday). As a result, Rohit Sharma's men became the first team in the cash-rich tournament history to successfully chase 200+ targets in consecutive matches. After the game, MI captain Rohit explained the transformation of T20 cricket over the years as MI pulled off a heist once again.

"When we started T20 format, 140-150 was a winning score. But look at this one. Plus one extra batter makes a huge difference as well. Not just to us but across the IPL. I just checked that the average score this IPL is 180. Look he has been doing that for the last couple of years," Rohit said at the post-match ceremony.

After Rohit was dismissed for a three-ball duck and Cameron Green walked back to the pavilion after scoring 23 runs off 18 balls, MI's run chase looked in tatters. A 116-run partnership between Kishan and Suryakumar shifted the momentum of the game towards Mumbai's corner. Kishan scored 75 runs off 41 balls while Suryakumar played a brilliant knock of 66 runs off 31 balls.

"Surya and Kishan batted brilliantly and good finish by Tim and Tilak. Before the start of the season we spoke about how we want to play our cricket. With the bat, we just wanted to go out there and play fearlessly and not worry about the results. Often you think about the results you move away from your plans. But we talked right at the start that we want to be fearless," he added.

While Mumbai completed back-to-back 200+ run chases in style, their bowling was once again exposed. After the game, Rohit spoke about the urgent need to tweak things in order to keep opposition teams from scoring freely against MI.

"It is something that we need to look at, certain options we need to take in the middle of the overs, how to shut off overs. It's been three or four games where we have conceded 200 so we need to find those options in the middle," Rohit added.