Mumbai Indians secured a convincing victory against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, chasing down CSK’s total of 176/5 with eight wickets and over four overs remaining, featuring outstanding performances from Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma who forged an unbeaten partnership of 114 runs in 54 balls.
Batting coach Kieron Pollard revealed he delivered the team talk before the match, with permission from head coach Mahela Jayawardene, where he expressed his frustration with CSK’s recent dominance over MI.
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“If you look at the start of the game, Mahela gave me the opportunity to speak to the guys. One of the things I told them was, ‘I’m fed up of telling Chennai well played over the last couple of years.’ The way the guys went out today – very good,” Pollard said on Star Sports.
Suryakumar Yadav, who was promoted to No.3 in the batting order, displayed exceptional form by scoring an unbeaten 68 off 30 balls, including five sixes and six fours. His partnership with Rohit Sharma, who remained not out on 76 from 45 balls, proved decisive in the match.
“Of course, we wanted him at No. 3. We want him to face as many balls as possible. But even in the back end, he’s dangerous. We try to understand the opposition and where he can make the biggest impact. Against Chennai, he reads spin so well – he can manipulate the field, sweep, reverse, and dominate,” Pollard explained about the decision to promote Suryakumar Yadav.
The strategy proved effective as Suryakumar Yadav, who had been struggling with form in recent months before the IPL, showed signs of returning to his best with this performance.
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