Jaipur, May 2 (NationPress) Following the impressive 100-run victory of Mumbai Indians (MI) over Rajasthan Royals (RR), skipper Hardik Pandya remarked that a return to a more straightforward approach to cricket has proven effective for the team.

At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, MI's strong batting performance, led by Ryan Rickleton with 61 runs and Rohit Sharma with 53, alongside Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya, who both scored 48 not out, helped the team achieve a formidable total of 217/2.

The bowlers then showcased their skills, dismantling a struggling RR lineup for just 117 in 16.1 overs, marking MI's first victory in Jaipur since 2012. With this win, MI has now secured six consecutive victories in IPL 2025, establishing themselves as serious title contenders.

"The way we batted and our clinical performance with the ball - it was truly a perfect game. We could have added another 15 runs. Our focus was on playing percentage shots. Surya and I were on the same page about valuing our shots... Ro and Ryan batted similarly," stated Pandya.

“It was absolutely fantastic. It’s not about individual chances; it’s about meeting the requirements of the situation. Our team displayed excellent batsmanship today.”

“I can’t pinpoint any specific bowlers - everyone executed their roles effectively. We are reverting to simple cricket, and it’s yielding positive results. Our aim is to take each game as it comes, maintaining humility and discipline,” he added during the post-match presentation.

Rickelton, awarded Player of the Match, expressed his excitement at performing for MI in front of his family. "It was a fantastic night. The partnership is developing well. Although the weather was uncertain, we managed to adapt,” he said.

“Adapting to conditions is crucial in the IPL. I initially struggled to find my rhythm, but with our strong senior players and management, we are finding our way,” he added.

Trent Boult, who took three wickets, expressed satisfaction with MI's execution of their game plan. "As a unit, we can’t ask for more. Achieving 210 is commendable on a good wicket. It’s gratifying when everything aligns perfectly, and the experience on our bowling team shines through,” he noted.

“T20 cricket hinges on momentum and communication. Thankfully, my experience helped. Jaiswal played some remarkable shots today, and Bumrah was exceptional as always. I’m looking forward to the next match,” Boult remarked.

With RR now out of contention for the IPL 2025 playoffs, stand-in skipper Riyan Parag acknowledged the need for greater accountability from the middle-order batters. "We must credit MI for their batting performance. They maintained their wickets. Ideally, we aimed for 190-200 runs. We’ve been starting well, but it’s on the middle order - myself and Dhruv - to deliver better results. We recognize a mix of successes and mistakes, and we aim to learn from both,” he concluded.