Mumbai Indians’ confidence was once again dealt a blow as the five-time champions recorded a big defeat against Rajasthan Royals. Batting first, Hardik Pandya and Co posted a good score of 179/9 in 20 overs despite RR Sandeep Sharma taking five wickets. However, their joy was short-lived as Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been struggling for form in the current season, hit an unbeaten century to lead RR to a nine-wicket win. This was MI’s fifth defeat in eight matches.

After the match, former India batsman Manoj Tiwary criticized captain Hardik for not using fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the very first over against RR.

“If you have Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up why wouldn’t you bowl to him in the first over? Buttler completed a century, Jaiswal was not in the best form, you have to give your best bowler the best chance to take wickets when Hardik When Pandya came in, he got hit for two fours and that took the shine off the new ball a bit and made things easier for the batsman,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.

“I don’t see MI moving up in the points table because of these stupid mistakes being made. If this kind of captaincy continues, MI will not be able to reach the playoffs. Earlier, the players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it seems like That MI players have Hardik Pandya was not bought as the captain of the team,” he said.

Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 104 off 60 balls to help RR seal their seventh win of the season in just 18.4 overs.

“Credit must go to all the players. Started well in the powerplay. The left-handers in the middle played unbelievable. But the way we came back, we won the game. The wicket looked a bit dry. But when the lights came on It gets colder at night, the guys are so professional about what to do when they get a break, I don’t think they need advice from anyone (Jaiswal) about a game. Was confident. Let’s see how the wicket is there (Lucknow) and see how it goes,” RR captain Sanju Samson said after the win.