Mumbai Indians suffered their third consecutive loss in TATA IPL 2026 after going down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 18 runs. Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, JioStar experts Sunil Gavaskar and Faf du Plessis analysed MI’s batting slowdown and bowling challenges, and also spoke about RCB Captain Rajat Patidar’s confident approach.
Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, JioStar expert Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on MI’s batting performance:
“At one stage, it looked like Mumbai Indians would struggle to reach 200. After Rohit Sharma’s retirement and the dismissals of Rickelton and Tilak Varma in the same over, they went into a shell and were unable to break free. They needed to score at least 12 runs more to stay on track with the required rate, but they couldn’t manage that. Even while rotating strike, the required rate kept climbing. That is an area they need to address. As Hardik Pandya mentioned, both their batting and bowling Powerplays are not yielding the kind of results needed to take control of the game.”
On Rajat Patidar’s batting:
“Last year, leading RCB for the first time, Rajat Patidar may have had some nerves, especially with players like Virat Kohli in the side. That could have impacted him. This season, after winning the championship, he looks far more settled and confident. He is playing with complete freedom and producing some outstanding cricket. The range of shots he is displaying across the ground has been particularly impressive.”
Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, JioStar expert Faf du Plessis analysed MI’s bowling unit:
“When you look at that bowling attack, especially in high-scoring games of 250 or more, you have to assess what the rest of the attack is conceding beyond Bumrah’s four overs, which are usually very economical. That’s where Mumbai Indians need to find answers. They need to maximise Bumrah’s impact by using him at key stages, but it doesn’t get any easier with strong batting line-ups continuing to dominate. They will need to sit down and reassess their approach, particularly in the Powerplay, whether that involves tactical changes or bringing in different personnel.”
On Sherfane Rutherford’s innings:
“Sherfane Rutherford has been excellent over the last year and a half, and this performance doesn’t come as a surprise. He has delivered consistently across T20 leagues and has significantly improved his game. Earlier, he had some struggles in certain match-ups, but he has worked on those areas and is now much more assured.”
Watch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals in today’s TATA IPL 2026 Rivalry Week fixture, at 7:30 PM, Live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
