According to Aakash Chopra, Chris Jordan accidently striking Ishan Kishan in the eye jeopardised the Mumbai Indians’ run chase in their IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 match against the Gujarat Titans.
The Gujarat Titans set Mumbai Indians a 234-run goal. The five time winners were then bowled out for 171 runs, losing by 62 runs and exiting the competition.
While reflecting on the Mumbai Indians’ pursuit, Chopra stated that Kishan’s concussion-related absence was a significant setback to their hopes.
“When we talk about the run chase, another problem was that Ishan Kishan got injured. Chris Jordan was getting hit and then he hit his own guy. Ishan Kishan had a concussion and didn’t come to bat.”
Aakash Chopra pointed out that both Mumbai Indians openers were dismissed cheaply.
“Nehal Wadhera came to open and got out in the first over. Rohit Sharma has a stat that is not flattering at all. If you see his playoff numbers, barring finals, there are a lot of games, but the average is actually in single digits and it was a single-digit score in this match as well.”
Rohit Sharma and Nehal Wadhera both scored eight and four runs. Vishnu Vinod, who replaced Kishan due to a concussion, scored only five runs.
Aakash Chopra lauds Tilak Varma’s knock
Aakash Chopra stated that Tilak Varma’s aggressive knock kept the Mumbai Indians in the game.
“Tilak Varma actually came and hit a little. He was very good while he lasted but one too many. Rashid Khan dismissed him. Cameron Green got injured, he came back and was playing well, and Joshua Little dismissed him.”
He emphasised that the match was effectively over once Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed.
“Suryakumar Yadav – he is absolutely brilliant. He is in a different league. They were alive till the time he was there but as soon as Surya got out, they were eclipsed. There was no chance after that.”
Suryakumar scored 61 from 38 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. MI lost their last five wickets for 16 runs after he was gone, with Mohit Sharma (5/10) tearing through their lower order.