The Mumbai Indians (MI) slumped to another defeat in IPL 2024, falling short by 24 runs in a nail-biting encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, veteran spinner Piyush Chawla achieved a personal milestone, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history.
Notably, Mumbai Indians are second-last (9th) of the IPL 2024 points table – the unforgettable feat which happened in IPL 2022 too (where they finished last) for MI but under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. In IPL 2024, five-time champions are being led by Hardik Pandya.
Piyush Chawla milestone overshadowed by MI defeat
Despite reaching a personal landmark, Piyush Chawla remained focused on the team’s performance. “We didn’t win, so all [milestone joy] went in vain,” he said at the post-match conference. A true team player, Chawla prioritizes team success over personal achievements.
Mumbai Indians struggles: Familiar Foe
Addressing MI’s current form, Chawla acknowledged the team’s struggles. “As a unit, I won’t say it’s about just the batting or just the bowling,” he explained. “It’s the complete unit. T20 cricket is about momentum, and we didn’t get that going this season.”
Chawla emphasized that losing momentum is a common experience in T20 cricket.
“It’s not like it’s happening to us for the first time or any other team for the second time. It can happen to anyone. It’s just that that momentum was not our way.“
“Like today, people thought chasing 170 runs at the Wankhede would be a cakewalk. But the wicket was different today. It was a bit sticky. The ball was stopping and coming. Sometimes, the form is not with you as a unit, and these things can happen. It hurts as well, but you have to accept that.”
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MI looking for Pride and Redemption
With their playoff hopes fading, Piyush Chawla highlighted the team’s new mission: “We will play for our pride and the reputation.” He emphasized the importance of playing for the team’s name and reputation, regardless of the playoff race.
As MI prepares for their upcoming matches, Chawla looks forward to a strong showing: “A few days from now, we will be back in action at our home. We will enter the Colosseum with a headstrong pride to take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad challenge.”
While the season hasn’t gone as planned, MI fans can expect the team to fight back and finish the tournament on a high note. The upcoming matches will be a chance for redemption and a display of the team’s unwavering spirit.
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