We have ourselves to blame if we don’t qualify: Rohit

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The qualifying scenario was simple: Mumbai Indians needed a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home, and they needed Royal Challengers Bangalore to drop points against Gujarat Titans. With RCB playing the second encounter, all Mumbai could do is win against the Sunrisers and improve their net run rate.

But it was the worst possible start for Mumbai’s bowling unit, which conceded 140 runs to Sunrisers’ opening pair Mayank Agarwal and Vivrant Sharma. Akash Madhwal’s second spell was arguably the difference between the two sides as Mumbai managed to limit the visitors to just 200 after 20 overs.

On a wicket like Mumbai, it was always going to be an easy chase for the hosts. Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation spoke about the likelihood of qualifying, saying they have only themselves to blame if they don’t qualify for the next stage.

We came with this mindset, we wanted to win and not worry about what we can’t control. I haven’t spoken to anyone. We have ourselves to blame if we don’t qualify. Last year we did RCB a big favor, I hope we get the desired result, Rohit said during the post-match presentation.

Mumbai started the season in the worst possible way, losing two in a row to Bangalore and Chennai. But from there they managed to build momentum, thanks to the incredible form of Suryakumar Yadav. A loss to Lucknow Super Giants could ultimately cost them a spot.

We have done many things well. We didn’t start well and we won three in a row. The crucial moments of the game that we lost – there were a lot of moments. The match against Punjab, we could have played well. And the last game against LSG, we had the game in our hands. We can’t dwell on it too much. Sometimes it doesn’t come.

The five-time IPL champions can still qualify, but for that they will need the help of Bangalore, who have to lose their last encounter against defending champions Gujarat.

Cameron Green was named Player of the Match, with his ton helping Mumbai to an easy victory over Sunrisers. It was the sixth 200+ total Mumbai had scored this season, and the all-rounder was an influential figure in this chase.

“Great stand with Rohit, he has experience. Having his leadership on the other end helped. The setup was great, I was well looked after. No pressure despite the price. Intent at the top is important , with Ishan and Rohit above and SKY below me,” Green said during the post-match presentation.

The Aussie had to thank Mumbai batting coach Kieron Pollard for helping him hit from distance which was evidently on display during his 100 where he scored eight fours and as many sixes.

“Pollard also helped to hit from range. When we had 20 to get, I told SKY to finish it. But with two runs to go, we just went over the line.”

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