Former India spinner spoke about Mumbai Indians’ commanding 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 27. Chawla highlighted the abundance of match-winners in the Mumbai squad and mentioned that other teams should be wary of the five-time champions since things have started to come together for the slow starters. Notably, Hardik Pandya and co. have now won five consesuctive games after losing four of their first five.
“If you see the number of match winners Mumbai Indians have in their squad, you start right from the beginning till number 11. Ryan Rickelton — the knock that he played today — we know , what he has done in the last two games. Today, Bumrah with the ball, Will Jacks came in, and he provided those two crucial wickets. So, I think things are falling in place; whatever Hardik is doing, it’s happening for the team, and that’s what this team is all about,” Chawla said on Jio Hotstar.
“You have so many match winners in that playing XI. Today, Jasprit Bumrah came in as an impact player, and what impact he has left on the game! So that’s why this team is on a roll, and when Mumbai Indians are on a roll, every other team should be scared of them,” the former spinner added.
You have to credit Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya: Piyush Chawla
Meanwhile, the double header on Sunday, April 27, featured another clash as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got their redemption against Delhi Capitals with a six-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, having lost to them at home earlier in the season.
RCB chased down a tricky 163-run target despite being under pressure after losing early wickets in the powerplay. Chawla gave credit to Player of the Match Krunal Pandya (unbeaten 73 off 47) and (51 off 47) for setting up the chase as the duo’s century partnership helped RCB recover from 26 for 3 to 145 for 4. With this win, they are now at the top of the points table with 14 points.
“RCB is playing fantastic cricket, and you have to give credit to the team. Because you talk about their bowling and batting, we saw what Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) is capable of with the old ball as well. Those two overs were very crucial, picking those crucial wickets. And when it comes to chasing on a tricky surface, you have to credit Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya — the way they staged that partnership,” Chawla said.
“At one point in time, they were so much under pressure, but they kept taking it deep. Especially Krunal Pandya — taking those calculated risks and playing those big shots when needed, and he made sure that the required run rate stayed under control. So, the team is looking fantastic, and the way they’re playing, everything is contributing to the cause, and that’s why they’re winning everything away from home,” the 2011 World Cup winner concluded.
