'Only themselves to blame' - Ravi Shastri on Rishabh Pant's judgemental error against MI

Delhi Capitals’ defeat against struggling Mumbai Indians meant that Royal Challengers Bangalore sneaked into the IPL 2022 playoffs. The Capitals have no one but themselves to blame as skipper Rishabh Pant opted against a review when Tim David was given not out after seemingly edging the ball to the keeper. Pant’s decision surprised everyone, but what followed wasn’t a surprise to anybody as David clobbered his way to 34 off just 11 balls.

A distraught Rishabh Pant afterwards said he felt that Tim David had nicked the ball but decided against the review as most of his teammates inside the circle did not seem convinced. His decision to not review turned out to be a blunder as the game that was seemingly in their hands slipped away after David’s innings. Ravi Shastri was left bemused by Pant’s decision not to go for the DRS. The former Indian coach said it was common sense to take that review as they had an opportunity to take two quick wickets.

“What does common sense demand? Okay, there’s Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur, but what are the others doing there? Common sense demands five overs left, two reviews, Tim David has just come in, you’ve taken a wicket, and you have a great opportunity of taking two wickets quickly. And still, five overs to go. And you have the upper hand, you had to take it,” Shastri said on Star Sports after the match before adding that “it’s a no-brainer.”

“This is a bitter pill to swallow. It’s like a balloon that burst above them. They are going to have sleepless nights over this one because it’s a place for the playoffs that you’ve missed out on,” he added

DC’s crucible is RCB’s paradise

Earlier in the match, Mumbai Indians opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The five-time winners had DC on the ropes at 50 for 4 in 8.4 overs as Jasprit Bumrah (3/25) looked in imperious form. But, Rovman Powell and Rishabh Pant revived their innings with a 75-run stand off 44 balls. Axar Patel added the finishing touch with an unbeaten 19 of ten deliveries.

Chasing a target of 160 runs, MI didn’t have the best of starts as Khaleel Ahmed showcased a fiery opening spell against Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s miserable stay at the crease ended as the Mumbai skipper made just two runs in 13 balls. Ishan Kishan and Dewald Brevis then added 51 runs off 37 balls. Kishan and Brevis were dismissed as MI was reduced to 95/3 in the 15th over.

But, it was the Tim David show after that as he smashed the DC bowlers for four sixes and two boundaries in his 11-ball stay at the crease. David’s blitz ensured MI’s win as Ramandeep Singh saw his team home with five balls to spare.

“They have only themselves to blame, nothing else. No excuses, you can’t hide behind anything, you lost it, more than Mumbai Indians winning it. You didn’t deserve to qualify and RCB does,” Ravi Shastri said after the game. Delhi Capitals’ defeat meant that Royal Challengers Bangalore joined Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants in the playoffs.