Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by six wickets in a one-sided Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1. Hardik Pandya-led MI struggled badly after electing to bat first. Their batting order crumbled early on, with key players like Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, and Dewald Brevis all getting dismissed for ducks. Trent Boult from RR was the wrecker-in-chief, taking crucial wickets early in the innings. MI could only manage a score of 125 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. While defending a lowly target, MI needed quick wickets to stay in the contest. However, only Akash Madhwal was able to shine with 3 wickets for 20 runs. This loss marked MI's third consecutive defeat in the IPL 2024 season.
Akash Madhwal on mood around MI's camp after back-to-back defeats
MI captain Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, acknowledged team's struggles and admitted that he needed to perform better despite being the highest scorer for MI with 34 runs. He also emphasised the need for more discipline in the upcoming matches. However, some of his captaincy decisions during the season have raised questions. After the match, Akash Madhwal spoke about the team's current morale and the ongoing transition in leadership style. The team is adjusting to Hardik Pandya's captaincy, which is different from Rohit Sharma's previous approach.
"The environment is really good, and you say there is a new captain but for us it is nothing like that. Captaincy is different for every individual. Earlier, it was Rohit Sharma in his style, and now Hardik Pandya with his own way," Madhwal said after the match.
But it has been fun playing under both of them. In the practice match, I spoke to Hardik bhai and Rohit bhaiyya as well. I also used to speak to Bumrah at times. So, it is nothing like there is something going on in the team. The environment is good and we hope to get better results in the coming games. We are not thinking about it at all. Hardik Pandya is our captain now, and Rohit was our captain then," Madhwal concluded.
RR on top, MI bite dust at bottom in standings
MI continue to sit at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table while RR rocketed to top with six points following three consecutive victories. Desperate for a win, Mumbai will play their next match at the same venue ,Wankhede Stadium, on Sunday, April 7 for a crucial clash against the Delhi Capitals.
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