Twitter Reactions: Mumbai Indians openers muscle them to 194

Though the fans have accepted that Mumbai Indians don’t start well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) expectations from the three-time champions are still really high. They lost the first couple of matches by the smallest margin, with 1 wicket and coming into the game against Delhi Daredevils at their home ground the Wankhede wanted to win and register first points on the table.

Teams chasing have won 7 out of the eight games thus far this season and Gautam Gambhir didn’t think twice before inviting to bat first. Though it was his team that lost the only match as they failed to chase 71 in 6 overs against Rajasthan Royals in their opening game. MI changed their batting combination and rightly so. Skipper Rohit Sharma didn’t walk out to open instead it was Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav.

The duo hit off really well and the Delhi bowlers were in troubles. They matched each other shot for shot and the very first over yielded 15 runs. If that was an indication of what was in store things turned hotter every over. At the end of the powerplay overs MI had 84 runs on the board without losing a single wicket with a run rate of 14.

This certainly set them up for a total well in access of 200. The opening stand was eventually broken by Rahul Tewatia who got rid of the dangerous Lewis for 48. Yadav also fell to the same bowler in his next over for 53 and Mumbai lost all the momentum.

Ishan Kishan who has been in firey form this season got going with skipper Rohit at the other end. He ensured that the team was still on course for a huge total and at the end of 15 overs they were 158/2.

Kishan lost his wicket in the 16th over to Daniel Christian for 44 off 23 balls and Kieron Pollard was bowled on the very next ball. The runs soon weren’t at the expected or say the desired pace while wickets kept tumbling one after the other. Rohi, Hardik and Krunal Pandya couldn’t push the run rate up in the last few overs.

Delhi bowlers pulled things back really well and Mumbai ended up with 194/7 in their 20 overs.

Here is how Twitterati reacted during the first innings:

If u batting 7 times in wankhede stadium more often thn not u will score runs. Such a great batting strip with even bounce

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 14, 2018

It was such a huge edge that ball went to short fine leg. why didn’t Krunal pandya leave???

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 14, 2018

Rohit Sharma chaudhe no pe aaya to escape from Boult… but he finally got out to Boult.#MIvDD

— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) April 14, 2018

Gambhir understands the pain of fans. That's why he joined them and sat outside. This shows equality. Hats off!

— Silly Point ?‏ (@FarziCricketer) April 14, 2018

Three Of The #MI Batsmen (Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya) Got Out Trying Out Stupid Unorthodox Shots. Something That Mumbai Indians Need To Consider For Upcoming Matches. #MIvDD #MIvsDD #IPL2018

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) April 14, 2018

Mumbai Indian innings today has been like Windows update. First 80 percent happens in no time, rest takes forever. #ipl

— cricBC (@cricBC) April 14, 2018

If that’s how the lower middle order is gonna bat, there isn’t much difference between their composition and RCB’s. Top heavy with an unreliable middle order to follow… MI bowling still supersedes though.

— samreen (@SamreenRazzaqui) April 14, 2018

Restricted #MI to under 200. pic.twitter.com/Y8LD95B17x

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 14, 2018

Mumbai Indians not grabbing the initiative again.

First 6 overs: 84 runs 0 wickets
Next 14 overs: 110 runs 7 wickets#MumbaiIndians #DilDilli #IPL

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 14, 2018

194-7, Delhi More happy with the finish than Mumbai #MIvsDD – certainly gettable if Delhi get their order right

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 14, 2018

Still a big score but after the start of more thn 80 runs in power play u expect MI’s big hitters to make the best use of the great start. MI would have been happier with more thn 200

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 14, 2018

Dear Mukesh Ambani,

Please Don't Punish Our Team For My Sins. I Apologise To You.? #MIvDD #MIvsDD #IPL2018

— Arvind Kejriwal (@TroluKejri) April 14, 2018

Suryakumar Yadav Becomes Double Dangerous When He's Batting Under The Sun. ??#MIvDD #MIvsDD #IPL2018

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) April 14, 2018

After 4 years Gautam Gambhir finally came to know that Suryakumar Yadav is a good opener.#MIvDD

— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) April 14, 2018

Is Morris injured??? Can’t think of any other rationale to swap him with Christian. Have a feeling that win-the-toss-win-the-match pattern might change today. #MIvDD #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 14, 2018