Rohit Sharma: We badly needed this win

MI opener Quinton de Kock during his 50-ball 70 not out against RR in New Delhi yesterday. Pic/PTI

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma on Thursday said the defending champions "badly needed" the win over Rajasthan Royals after a couple of reverses in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Opener Quinton de Kock struck form with a blistering 50-ball 70 as Mumbai Indians got the better of Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the day's first match here. Krunal Pandya blazed away to 39 off 26 balls.

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma. Pic/AFP

"We needed that win badly after a couple of losses. We did everything right today, right from Ball One, and very clinical towards the end as well. Individuals took the responsibilities that were given to them, it was a collective effort," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "The guys were positive as they got to know we were going to Delhi because it was a good pitch, not like Chennai!"

The MI captain praised his bowlers for their economical performance in the last few overs. "I thought the bowlers did the job for us. In the last seven overs, we gave around 50 runs with seven wickets in hand for them. Playing the conditions is very important. We knew that we're going to play on good pitches after Chennai. We didn't adapt well as a team there, but having said that, it looks like from here on the pitch will suit us."

Put in to bat, Rajasthan rode on skipper Sanju Samson's 42 and Jos Buttler's 41 to post a competitive 171 for four but their efforts were overshadowed by De Kock, who struck six fours and two maximums to complete the task in 18.3 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rohit added: "Very happy with Quinny's knock, we know how good he can be. Not to forget Krunal's innings as well." RR captain Sanju Samson felt they were 20-25 runs short of a total. "We were a few runs short, 20-25 short. We built it up nicely but didn't capitalise."

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