The match between the Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab saw an unprecedented situation in the history of T20 cricket as the match was tied twice- first in the 20th over the game while the second time in the super over. That led to chaotic situations on the field as there was a serious lack of clarity on the issue of who among the ones who batted can be eligible to bat again in the second super over.
The Kings XI Punjab got the better of the Mumbai Indians, although a long and vigilant battle.
Winning captain KL Rahul was aware of the team’s history in the IPL 2020 and as well as affirmed their efforts to avoid making winning by difficult situations a habit. He also said that the team has been working very hard irrespective of the result in matches and their position on the points table. He accepted the problem his team is facing in closing out games even from commanding positions.
“It is not the first time. But we don't want to make a habit out of it. We will take the two points in the end. It doesn't always happen the way you plan so you don't really know how to stay balanced. I was just hoping we get over the line because the boys have been working really really hard. In the games that we have lost, even then we have played well and just not been able to get over the line,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
On the issue of how the team strategies the twin super overs, Rahul said that no team can prepare for a super over, and in the case when they have to face the challenge, captains have to trust the bowlers’ guts. Heaping praise on Shami who denied the Mumbai Indians when they needed a mere 6 runs from the first super over, Rahul said “He was very clear he wanted to go six yorkers. He has been phenomenal and keeps getting better every game. It is important that senior players win the games for the team.”
On the feeling of relief in the camp after two wins on the trot, Rahul said that the team is focused and taking one game at a time. He also said that these wins are bringing happiness back into the squad but at the same time, the players are aware of the challenges ahead of them in winning every game they are to face in the season to have a chance to make into the playoff.
“We still want to take it one game at a time. It is sweet after the kind of matches we have lost but the talk in the dressing room is to focus on the process. We know we need to win everything from here, but we can't forget the processes that lead to a win,” Rahul added.
Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma was unwell and hence could not make it to the chat with the host broadcaster. Kieron Pollard attended the customary interaction on his place and said that the loss in the second super over against the Kings XI Punjab was not the worst thing that has happened to the men in blue and that they would move on from here to the next games.
The game saw an unprecedented situation of two super overs and experts were having a busy night on Sunday.
For cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle this game was the best of the IPL 2020 where both the team had their moments and both of them squandered their advantages.
He also reminded the world of the value that experienced players with tested skills and presence of mind bring to the table for a team. No doubt, he was praising Chris Gayle who nonchalantly hit Boult for a six off the first ball of the super over.
Earlier, Bhogle was in sheer amusement over Bumrah’s brilliance in the first super over and said that the speedster is one of those characters who love occasion.
Aakash Chopra predicted correctly about two super overs in a day well before the last over began.
Veteran cricket journalist Sambit Bal was of the view that both the occurrence of super overs were the results of mishandling of chase by the Sunrisers in the first game and the Kings XI Punjab in the second. He also suggested that the KXIP should get the award for most dramatic finishes in IPL games, irrespective of what could have been the result of the second over.
Powered by Froala Editor