'We are looking to win the game and just not look at how we are winning it' - Rohit Sharma ahead of do-or-die SRH clash

The last day of the league stage of the Indian Premier League 2023 sees two exciting encounters, the first of which is being played between five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match number 69 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. MI come into this game in a do-or-die situation to fancy their playoff spot, whereas SRH will look to play for pride, as they are languishing at the bottom of the IPL Points Table.

MI skipper Rohit Sharma took the center with opposition captain Aiden Markram at the toss and called it right to elect to field first. When the presenter asked Rohit about the decision, he explained that they will be comfortable in chasing as it is an afternoon game.

"Just the nature of the pitch and because we're comfortable chasing. The pitch is a bit dry, it'll get easier to bat as the sun sets. Shokeen is out, Kartikeya is in," Rohit said at the toss.

On being asked about thoughts ahead of the game,  "Tricky one actually, we are looking to win the game and just not look at how we are winning the game. At the end of the day, winning the game is important to give us a chance. We are not looking too far ahead. All the team talks have been around that and the stuff we need to do as a unit," Rohit further responded.

Three teams in contention for one playoffs spot

Currently, the situation for the last spot of the playoffs is very tricky, since as many as three teams (MI, RCB, and RR) are still in contention. Mumbai's victory by a big margin will ensure them a berth for the final four, however, they will also be hoping that Gujarat Titans defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore in the evening encounter.

A win for the Rohit Sharma-led side will see them jump into the fourth position, however, if RCB manages to win, then the team with the better NRR (Net Run Rate) will go through. To beat RCB in terms of NRR, Mumbai will have to ensure a margin of 80+ runs, where RCB can still go through if they win their clash by the smallest margin of 1 run.

For Rajasthan Royals, they depend heavily upon the results of both the games. The Sanju Samson-led side will be hoping that both MI and RCB lose by required margins so that they can qualify, owing to a positive NRR.