Head coach Mahela Jayawardene highlighted the performance of batsman Ishan Kishan, despite the Mumbai Indians' one-over eliminator loss to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Monday's Indian Premier League fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Kishan entered the XI in the absence of the unfit Saurabh Tiwary – and struck a superb 99 from a mere 58 deliveries. His stay featured two fours and nine sixes, as Mumbai equalled Bangalore's score of 201.
Kishan enjoyed solid support from West Indan all-rounder Kieron Pollard, whose fine form for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the recent Caribbean Premier League has continued in the IPL.
Captain Virat Kohli later hit the winning runs in the super over, as Bangalore moved into the top half of the eight-team standings for the IPL 2020.
“Obviously, he Kishan was left out of the first few games and then he got an opportunity. The conversation was just go and bat normally, I thought he had a very good start,” said Jayawardene.
“During the middle period we just wanted to make sure he bats through the innings. The message was for him to take it deep as we had lost a few wickets, so he did that brilliantly and took his chances and played some really good shots.
“It was a brilliant partnership between him and Pollard. I thought they handled the situation really well and almost got us home.”
Sundar on Bowling in the Powerplay
Bangalore spinner Washington Sundar, meanwhile, appreciated sharing the new ball with seamers Navdeep Saini and Isuru Udana in the opening powerplay during regulation play. Sundar completed figures of one for 12 in four overs, which included the key dismissal of opposition captain Rohit Sharma.
“Feeling really good, I did some planning coming to this game, and I was very happy I was given this role and I enjoy bowling in the powerplay,” added Sundar.
“Very glad that the captain has got so much confidence and the management. The challenge is to keep doing this, there are still a lot more games coming up and I should be able to do this and win games for the RCB.”
Bangalore have never won the IPL. They have reached three finals.
