The situation went from bad to worse for Mumbai Indians as the Hardik Pandya-led side slumped to their third consecutive defeat in IPL 2024. The five-time champions were completely outplayed by Rajasthan Royals as they suffered a six-wicket loss on Monday. The loss means MI sits at the tenth position with the worst Net Run Rate (NRR) in the league. This was a terrible start for them and the defeat certainly increased the pressure on Hardik and Co. On the other hand, RR claimed the top spot from Kolkata Knight Riders with the comprehensive win.
A clinical Rajasthan Royals romped home for a third win on the trot in IPL 2024 with a six-wicket hammering of Mumbai Indians, whose skipper Hardik Pandya continued to be on the receiving end of fans’ ire.
After Yuzvendra Chahal (3/11) and Trent Boult (3/22) combined to suffocate Mumbai Indians with the bat, restricting them to 125/9, Riyan Parag (54 not out) produced another knockout of the top shelf to conquer Rajasthan. Royals to the top spot in the IPL points table.
The 22-year-old Parag continued to make great strides this season with a goal display that reflected his maturity and aggression, delivering a number of spectacular strikes while being determined not to give up until his side crossed the line.
Parag’s knock was studded with five fours and three sixes as Royals reached 127/4 after 15.3 overs and won with 27 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, there was no let-up for Pandya, who was booed several times in Mumbai Indians’ first home match. It started with Pandya being booed when he entered the field for warm-up drills and fans hitting the player again hard when he came out for the toss.
Although commentator and former India and Mumbai player Sanjay Manjrekar appealed to the crowd to behave, the boos continued until Pandya hit a pair of fours to make the Mumbai fans smile again after their side faced 20/4 in the powerplay it was staggering.
(With PTI inputs)