IPL 9, Match 1 MI v RPS - 5 Talking Points

For the first time since 2013, a Maharashtra Derby of sorts has been played. While the Mumbai Indians have been a mainstay of the IPL for all it’s eight previous seasons, the Pune Supergiants are playing their first ever season. A new team, but old players. The champions of the 2014 edition of the IPL proved to be a mild pushover for the MS Dhoni-led franchise. A resounding nine-wicket win has now seen two things come to light in the context of the IPL. One, it has got the ball rolling for the new franchise and two, it has pegged back current champions Mumbai Indians. Here are five major talking points following the Supergiants’ 9-wicket win.

1. Baffling batting tactics by the Mumbai Indians:

It is no secret that the Mumbai Indians usually get off to a slow start. This season was no different. However, the opening fixture saw some baffling tactics employed by the Mumbai Indians. First, it was the fact that Rohit Sharma came out to open the batting along with Lendl Simmons. Before this fixture, Rohit Sharma had opened the batting just four times for the Mumbai Indians. Why was it necessary to upset a settled batting order? What was even more baffling was the team selection. Neither Parthiv Patel nor Unmukt Chand, two of their best batsmen in the top of the order, was in the side for the encounter. Ambati Rayudu was pushed down the order to make way for Hardik Pandya. Yes, you read it right, Hardik Pandya. Needless to say, both of them failed with the bat with Rayudu playing ‘out of his skin’ to score 22 off 27. At the end of the powerplay, the Mumbai Indians had lost 4 wickets.

2. Pune bowlers run riot:

While a lot can be said about the horrific Mumbai batting, credit is certainly due to the Pune bowlers. Ishant Sharma, who was left out of the Indian side in surprising circumstances got his chance to shine with the new franchise. Bowling in excess of 85 mph, Ishant first trapped his Indian teammate Rohit Sharma with a beautifully plumb in-swinger before knocking the leg-stump of Lendl Simmons a few deliveries later. Mitchell Marsh’s teasing pace saw him dismiss Hardik Pandya and Jos Buttler in quick succession. Rajat Bhatia, Ravi Ashwin, and even Murugan Ashwin were among the wickets as the Mumbai Indians were blasted out for a paltry 121/9 in their quota of 20 overs.

3. Harbhajan Singh’s blitz:

When Ambati Rayudu fell with the score at 7-68 shortly after the 15th over, many would have given the Mumbai Indians little or no chance of crossing the 100 run mark. However, all those who thought the same failed to consider one key aspect. Harbhajan Singh. It still remains an unanswered question: Why didn’t Dhoni play Harbhajan, a seasoned and an experienced campaigner in the World T20? With plenty of runs to score and a few overs left to play, Harbhajan played the innings perhaps a batsman was to play. He smashed 11 boundaries and a massive six en route to his 45 off just 30 deliveries. He remained unbeaten in his quest to put is side in a position to win. However, despite his heroics, the Mumbai Indians fell short by a country mile.

4. Ajinkya Rahane underlines T20 credentials:

Who says that elegant batting will keep you out of a T20 side? Ajinkya Rahane had just played the innings not many would have expected from him. He began his innings by reading the Wankhede wicket, something he had done since the age of 14. Playing in familiar conditions, the Ajinkya Rahane began playing the shots everyone knew he was capable of. He required just the 42 deliveries to complete his innings of 66. His compilation included 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. He remained unbeaten in his man of the match innings.

5. Faf and Pietersen assist Rahane in the chase:

Despite Rahane’s amazing innings, it was unclear who would partner him in the opening slot. Even when South African Faf du Plessis made his way to the middle with Rahane, it seemed strange and unexpected. However, the South Africa T20 skipper reveled in his new role as opener, threading the ball through the gaps and giving Rahane most of the strike. He scored 34 off 33 deliveries. After much tension and controversy, the Indian fans got what they wanted. Kevin Pietersen had indeed made a comeback of sorts in front of a Mumbai crowd eager for some fireworks from the 35-year old. Needless to say, they got what they wanted. 21 runs came off the bat of Pietersen in just 14 entertaining deliveries. Of these were two trademark sixes.

How did the match pan out? –  IPL 9 Match 1 Review: Rising Pune SuperGiants demolish defending champions