Chawla: Mumbai Indians "behind the game" after early wickets in IPL loss

Piyush Chawla analyzed Mumbai Indians' 27-run loss to Rajasthan Royals, stating the chase was derailed by losing three early wickets within the first three overs. He praised Rajasthan Royals' aggressive start, particularly highlighting Yashasvi Jaiswal's impactful, unbeaten 77 in the rain-shortened match. Chawla also commended 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his fearless batting against a strong MI bowling attack. The defeat marked MI's stumble while RR secured their third consecutive victory of the IPL 2026 season.

Key Points: Piyush Chawla analyzes Mumbai Indians' poor start vs Rajasthan Royals

  • MI lost 3 wickets in first 3 overs
  • Chawla credits RR's Powerplay readiness
  • Jaiswal's 77* was pivotal
  • Young Vaibhav Suryavanshi praised for fearless knock
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Mumbai Indians were already behind the game within first few overs,' says Chawla

Piyush Chawla says MI lost the match in the first few overs after early collapse chasing 151. He praises Jaiswal & young Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

"Mumbai Indians were already behind in the first few overs. - Piyush Chawla"

New Delhi, April 8

Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla believes that the five-time champions Mumbai Indians were already behind in the game from the start of their chase against Rajasthan Royals in their third match of the Indian Premier League 2026 played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday as they lost early wickets which increased the pressure.

Mumbai Indians had a poor start, losing three important wickets in just the first three overs while chasing 151 runs in an 11-over rain-affected match. Chawla said that the early blows made the chase very difficult.

"Rajasthan Royals looked ready from the start, especially in the Powerplay. Their batting gave them a strong start. With the ball, Jofra Archer bowled really well, and Nandre Burger picked up key wickets. When you are chasing 150 in 11 overs and lose three wickets for around 20 runs, it becomes very hard. Mumbai Indians were already behind in the first few overs," Chawla told Jio Hotstar.

He also praised Yashasvi Jaiswal for his unbeaten 77 runs, which gave Rajasthan a strong start.

"Sometimes a player feels very confident against a certain team. Jaiswal looked comfortable from the beginning and played with confidence. Scoring 77 runs in an 11-over match shows how impactful he was," he added.

Chawla also appreciated 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his fearless batting against a strong Mumbai bowling attack.

"Playing well against the Mumbai Indians is always special because they have top bowlers like Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. When a young player performs like that, it gets everyone's attention," he said.

Speaking of the match, RR rode on an explosive 80-run opening stand between Yashasvi and Sooryavanshi to beat MI by 27 runs in a rain-curtailed match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday and registered their third straight victory of the IPL 2026 campaign.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's thrilling to watch young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi shine. IPL is truly a platform where future stars are born. Hats off to RR for backing their youngsters!
V
Vikram M
Yashasvi Jaiswal is in a league of his own! 77* in 11 overs is just brutal hitting. He's carrying his international form into the IPL. MI bowlers had no answer. RR looking like the team to beat this season.
P
Priya S
With all due respect to Piyush Chawla's analysis, I feel he's stating the obvious. Everyone could see MI lost it in the first few overs. The real question is *why* their star-studded top order keeps collapsing. The management needs harder questions.
R
Rohit P
Archer and Burger were phenomenal with the new ball. When you have 150 to defend in just 11 overs, early wickets are gold. RR's planning was spot on. MI looked completely out of ideas. Hoping for a strong comeback in the next match! 💙
K
Kavya N
The story here is Vaibhav Suryavanshi! 15 years old and playing fearlessly against Bumrah and Boult? That's the spirit of Indian cricket. Wishing him a long and glorious career ahead. 🇮🇳

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50