Published: Apr 13, 2017, 10:26 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 13, 2017, 10:26 AM (IST)
In match 10 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017, Mumbai Indians (MI) edged past Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their own den on Wednesday. Batting first, defending champions could only manage 158 for 8, owing to some disciplined bowling from MI. While Jasprit Bumrah and Harbhajan Singh combined to take 5 wickets, Nitish Rana scored 45 off 36 to finish the chase in 18.4 overs for the hosts. Rana started from where he left in a crunch chase versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the other day and termed his clear thinking crucial factor for his recent success. After finishing two back-to-back games, the batsman hopes to continue doing the same for his side in future. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD, Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Match 10
Rana, Man of the Match of the previous match, made a mockery of the chase, swatting 3 fours and 2 sixes. Speaking about the chase, he said, “I think I am very clear about my game. I know what has to be done on the wicket. There was pressure initially but the way Krunal Pandya batted, it eased things out for me. Nonetheless, in the last game I couldn’t finish off the game, and repeated the same mistake here. I hope to not repeat this again in upcoming matches.”
He credited the role of some legendary cricketers in MI camp for his turnaround. MI’s team management is filled with players from yesteryears’, such as, Shane Bond, team mentor Sachin Tendulkar and head coach, Mahela Jayawardene. Speaking on the MI legends, Rana stated, “Day-by-day, my batting is improving and the results are there to be seen. From last year, a lot has changed, especially my mental level, which is utmost important. Of course, it helps to be around such legendary players and talk to them. I hope to learn more from them and gradually improve.”
A confident Rana also depicted that he was disturbed during the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy 2016-17, but things changed for the better in IPL 2017. He added, “I spoke to Sachin (Tendulkar) sir and Mahela (Jayawardene) here. They said that technique is not an issue, but I am over thinking. They made me think clearly and now I know what has to be done. I know what shots have to be played in different situations and feel much confident.”
On his role in the team, Rana quoted, “Everyone knows that we (MI) have good hitters. Hardik (Pandya) is timing the ball brilliantly in the nets. We also have (Kieron) Pollard. My role is to bat till the end. I am just sticking to my role like others and luckily we are winning.”
MI have chased two totals consecutively in the ongoing edition. Sharing his thoughts on MI’s batting line-up and strengths, Rana said, “Our team has several such players who can bat anywhere required. If I talk about myself, I am capable of batting in any position. This is a sign of a good team”, the 23-year-old concluded.
