Last Updated on 10 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Reactions to the 38th match of IPL 2024 between RR and MI – Sandeep 5/18, Jaiswal 104* and Mumbai Indians criticised
For the second time this season, Rajasthan Royals made light work of the Mumbai Indians. Led by Sandeep Sharma and Trent Boult, MI lost three wickets in the powerplay, and were only able to reach a respectable 179/9 courtesy of youngsters Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera.
However, the total was not a threat. Yashasvi Jaiswal (104* off 60 balls) made his first big contribution of IPL 2024, thumping the struggling MI attack to all parts, helped also by some awful fielding. He and Jos Buttler combined for 74 in the first eight overs, before Sanju Samson (38* off 28 balls) ensured there were no hiccups.
Earlier, man of the match Sandeep Sharma put on a clinic. His length was impeccable in the powerplay and he then finished the innings strongly as MI had visions of 190+. It is another fine episode in the story that is Sandeep’s IPL career, where he has often contributed to the team’s cause through great use of his skills.
For MI, the defeat put a dagger in their playoff hopes. They have won just three of eight games so far, beating teams only below them on the table, namely Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They barely fired a shot, with their fielding and Hardik Pandya’s captaincy in the spotlight.
RR vs MI Reactions: High-flying Royals smash Mumbai Indians by nine wickets with 10 balls to spare as Yuzvendra Chahal takes 200th IPL wicket
Seven wins may be enough to sneak into the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals have already won those amount of matches. They are showing no signs of slowing down ahead of their showdown against LSG on Saturday.
Along with Sandeep and Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal also had a night to remember despite going for 48 off his four overs. The legspinner became the first bowler to take 200 IPL wickets; an extraordinary achievement given he played so many games at the very batting-friendly M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Mumbai Indians trolled and criticised for another under-par performance
Fans didn’t hold back in their views of the Mumbai Indians. It was another disappointing performance from a team that is only showing glimpses of their best form this season. Some fans have even asked for Rohit Sharma to be reinstated as captain.