Poor home record has hurt Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018

Over the years, Mumbai Indians (MI) have banked heavily on their home record in the Indian Premier League. However, this season things have not gone according to plans at the Wankhede Stadium. Out of six home games in IPL 2018, they have lost four which has hurt their chances in the race for the play-off spots. With 10 points after 12 games, they need to win both their last two games to stay in contention for the play-offs.

MI’s reserve wicket-keeper-batsman Aditya Tare, who leads the Mumbai Ranji team, admitted the poor home show is what has hurt the team’s chances.

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“The only worry for me is that we have not been up to the mark at Wankhede, usually we are a very tough team to beat at the Wankhede. Unfortunately this has not been the case this season, it’s the only worry for me. The mood (in the camp) is pretty good. The picture is quite clear, you win two games and anything can happen,” Tare said, on the eve of their must-win game against Kings XI Punjab.

“It’s an important stage for us. We have been in this situation before; we want to be fearless and positive.”

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Among the few positives for MI has been the form of their young keeper-batsman, Ishan Kishan. Senior pro Tare was all-praise for Ishan, who captained India at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup.

“He is pretty young… just 19 years old. He has enormous talent that’s the reason Mumbai Indians have backed him as first-choice keeper-batsman. Just couple of games back, he won us the game (Kolkata Knight Riders). It shows the amount of ability he has with the bat. I am sure this experience of playing all the games for a franchise like Mumbai Indians is going to help him going forward in his career.”

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Personally, it has been a frustrating season for Tare, who has warmed the bench so far. “It is not a great feeling to be sitting out on the bench. (But) this is my ninth season and by now I know how to deal with it. There are some things you cannot control.”

The 30-year-old player said his motivation is to be ready whenever the opportunity comes. “IPL is not the end of everything, I am still the first-class captain and have a lot of things to look forward. Even if I am sitting out now, I may be a very important player for the team next season. That’s the thinking I have got. I just feel fortunately that I am here back with Mumbai Indians.”