When Mumbai’s Parthiv Patel was confronted with a question about what is his team’s plan of action after losing to the Delhi Daredevils, he answered it by saying that the players have been putting the best foot forward all the time and will continue to do so.
With eight more matches still to be played by the Mumbai Indians, Parthiv made it clear that his team is going to do all it takes to win more matches in the IPL. But, Mumbai’s performances in the last six games suggest something else.
Time is running out and the Mumbai Indians need a phenomenal comeback into the tournament. Can they do it? It’s a big task for a team, which has lost its momentum despite playing decent cricket.
The biggest problem with Mumbai is that their batting and bowling departments haven’t gelled well together. If the batsmen score those required runs to win, the bowlers have been a big letdown and vice-versa. Nothing has been falling in place.
It’s not that some of the top players are out of form. It is a few decisions here and there; it is a few miscalculations here and there – which have cost them dearly. Otherwise, if you look at the team, it’s a very good side on paper.
They have the best support staff on the bench, including stars from yesteryears – Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Anil Kumble Shane Bond, Jhonty Rhodes and Robin Singh. In fact, it’s can’t get better than this.
It’s a kind of situation where the parents engage loads of private tutors to get the best marks for their sons or daughters. But, it does always translate into good marks for those students. The consolation for the Mumbai team is that their players are extremely committed to the cause of doing well. It’s a matter of how they shape up against their opposition in next few matches.
The one against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday is indeed a crucial one. The Sunrisers are fresh after a win against the Kolkata Knight Rider and will be hoping to make most of Mumbai’s win-less situation. But at the Wankhede stadium on Saturday, the Mumbai will be looking to reverse their fortune for sure!
