We didn't even bat to half of our potential, yet we got to 170 : Rohit Sharma

Since assembling a new squad ahead of the 2022 edition, Mumbai Indians have lost their zing, and the avatar that once used to demolish the opposition teams for fun, are struggling to put together a win. Following a disappointing 2022 season, they were supposed to pick themselves up in 2023, but the opening game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore was anything but that.

They had a certain Tilak Verma to thank for guiding them to a respectable total of 171 with a 46-ball 84 while the second-highest score was by debutant Nehal Wadhera, who scored 21. Dissecting the loss, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma stated that their batting was very dismal, and another 30-40 runs would have been ideal for a win.

“We didn’t have a great start with the bat in the first six overs,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation. “But it was a really good effort from Tilak and a few other batters. But we didn’t execute well with the ball. It was a good pitch to bat on. We didn't even bat to half of our potential, and still, we got to 170. Probably 30-40 runs more would have been ideal.”

Also Read : Nehal Wadhera, the run-machine who once scored 578 runs in an innings

The Mumbai Indians skipper credited Tilak Verma, whose splendid batting was the only positive for the visitors to take away from. “He is a positive person, quite talented as well. Some of the shots he played showed a lot of courage. Hats off to Tilak for getting us to a competitive total. It was a good pitch to bat on,” Rohit added.

After a dismal batting performance, Mumbai bowlers, led by Jofra Archer, couldn’t stand up to a Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli masterclass of batting. Two of the most senior batters in the RCB camp decided to dazzle the audience with a jamboree of shot-making that left many wondering if the absence of Jasprit Bumrah was a telling phenomenon. But Rohit Sharma surged it off.

“From the last six to eight months, I am used to playing without Jasprit Bumrah. Of course, this is a different setup, but someone needs to put their hand up and step up. We can't keep dwelling on it. Injuries are not in our control, we can't do much about them. The other guys in the setup are quite talented as well. We need to give them that support. Just the first game of the season. There's a lot to look forward to,” the Mumbai skipper added.

Mumbai Indians now have a six-day break in between and will host Chennai Super Kings on April 8, 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium.