IPL 9, Match 21: KXIP v MI - 5 Talking Points

The horrific IPL 9 continued for the Kings XI Punjab following their 27-run loss to the Mumbai Indians. Despite a few impressive performances from the usual suspects of the Punjab-based franchise, they plummeted to yet another loss. The Mumbai Indians are currently well and truly back on the road to glory. With the likes of Kieron Pollard firing once more, the Mumbai Indians are looking invincible once more. That said, below illustrated are the five talking points that proved to be a game changer.

1. Parthiv Patel packed a punch:

Parthiv Patel’s boyish charm makes him almost a baby figure in the side. He may be older in age compared to the likes of Rohit Sharma himself and many others, yet, his demeanor inadvertently makes him a ‘junior’ in the side. However, despite his small stature, his massive willpower and his massive heart ensured that he took over the role of the anchor from the skipper Rohit Sharma. Patel got a few lives courtesy a no ball and some sloppy fielding from KXIP. Needless to say, Patel slammed 81 off 58 deliveries including 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. This performance from the big little man of the Mumbai Indians virtually ensured a win for his side.

2. Ambati Rayudu’s second fiddle:

Ambati Rayudu, for the most part of his career, has been one of the players who has shined for his side. While the Indians were stuttering at the start of the season, Rayudu was the only player averaging a respectable figure. On the night at Mohali, the 30-year old played second fiddle to Parthiv Patel. A case can be made for Rayudu given the sloppy fielding from the Kings XI, he was flawless on the night. His supporting innings saw him smash 65 off just 37 deliveries including 4 boundaries and 4 sixes.

3. Kings XI’s Buttler service:

Jos Buttler is a hard man to get out especially when he gets going. Buttler’s cameo came towards the end of the innings, underlining his credentials as a finisher of the team. His short arm jabs into the stands have made him an invaluable asset for any team he plays for. He slammed 24 runs off just 13 deliveries, with a mammoth strike rate of 184.

4. Marsh and Maxwell bring Kings close:

In a nutshell, the Kings XI batting has been nothing short of shambolic. With the likes of David Miller, Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell failing to get off the blocks, the Kings face the uneasy prospect of falling out of the reckoning for the playoffs. While Marsh played his customary big innings against the Mumbai Indians, Maxwell finally found his feet. What was interesting to watch was the fact that Maxie didn’t look to slog the ball. He played good cricketing shots en route to his wonderfully compiled half-century. The duo slammed half-centuries as the KXIP, for the first time in the match looked like winning the encounter.

5. Bumrah snuffs out Kings chances:

Cometh the moment, cometh the man. And as far as the Mumbai Indians were concerned, it was Jasprit Bumrah. Regarded as one of the finest death bowlers in the country, Rohit Sharma handed the ball to his trusted lieutenant. Bumrah initially removed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell before dismissing Nikhil Naik soon after. Despite a late onslaught from David Miller, the revival proved a bit too late as Mitchell McClenaghan once more came in to complete the job. Bumrah completed with figures of 3/26 off his 4 overs.

How did the match pan out? – IPl 9 Match 21 Review: Parthiv Patel special helps MI thump KXIP