Over the past couple of years, Mumbai Indians have played the IPL in two parts: the first in second gear, and the second in fifth.
Over the past couple of years, Mumbai Indians have played the IPL in two parts: the first in second gear, and the second in fifth. After a string of early defeats last year, Rohit Sharma & Co. staged a remarkable turnaround to make the play-offs. They are in a similar situation this year with five defeats in seven outings, and Sharma is confident of doing a repeat act of 2014.
Fresh after a five-day break, the Mumbai Indians oozed positivity and confidence during training on Thursday, the eve of their match against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede. They started with their fielding drills at 4.30 pm before Lasith Malinga dished out some toe-crushers, Harbhajan Singh some loopy turners, and Kieron Pollard some hits into the second tier of the stands. It didn't matter that it was Sharma's 28th birthday. The party could wait, for it was all hard work on Thursday evening.
And by Sharma's own admission, the best birthday gift would be a win on Friday. "The break was important as we had been on the road for a while. I don't see any reason why we can't turn things around like last year. We have notched up the highest score in this IPL (209 vs RCB) and defended 157 in the last match (against SRH). We need to focus on performing as a unit," the birthday boy said on Thursday.
Unit is the keyword for Mumbai Indians going ahead. In all their matches so far, it is either their batting or bowling that has let them down and on some occasions, both.
And taking them on would be one of the most consistent teams in this IPL so far. The Royals, unlike Mumbai, hit fifth gear from the onset, winning their first five games. Two losses and as many washouts after that notwithstanding, Shane Watson & Co. still boast of a team that seems balanced.
Thus, for Mumbai to challenge the Royals, they would have to take all that positivity they showed during training into the match.
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