IPL 2022 GT vs MI Talking Points: Gujarat Openers Fire But Mumbai Indians Win in a Close Finish

Hitman is back: After a series of failed knocks, the Mumbai Indian skipper finally managed to break the shackles and registered his highest score this season. He may have missed out in his first fifty this season but he contributed with a crucial knock of 43 off 28 balls to provide a good start to the MI innings. He was particularly harsh on Alzarri Joseph, smashing the bowler for four boundaries and a six. But before he could reach a half-century, Rashid produced the breakthrough in the eighth over, trapping in front while looking to play a reverse shot.

Ishan Kishan’s gritty innings: Right from the start of the season, there was a burden of price tag over Ishan Kishan as he bagged a whopping sum of 15.25 Cr in the auction and became the most expensive player of this season. But to everyone’s surprise, he wasn’t consistent with the bat in hand in IPL 2022. On Friday, just like Rohit, the wicketkeeper-batter also showcased a glimpse of himself getting back to form. With the help of a six and five boundaries, Kishan scored a 45-run knock off 29 deliveries. He too failed to get a fifty but featured in the 74-run opening stand with his captain.

Tim David’s outstanding knock: The most surprising element of MI innings was the late cameo played by Tim David. The Singapore batter walked out to bat after the middle-order failed once again. He teamed up with Tilak Varma and tried to put together a partnership launching Mohammed Shami for two fours at mid-off and long leg respectively. David next sent one over Joseph’s head for his first maximum before depositing a no-ball from Ferguson for another six in the 19th over. He returned with an unbeaten on 44 off 21 balls.