Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav credited Mumbai Indians' belief and character after their six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Suryakumar led the side in the absence of regular captain Hardik Pandya, who missed the match due to illness, and watched MI successfully chase down 229 in just 18.4 overs.
Never panicked despite explosive start from LSG
Despite LSG's explosive start, powered by Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, Suryakumar said his side never panicked.
"To be very frank, we've been in this situation a lot of times this season. It was nothing new, to be very honest," Suryakumar said after the match.
"But then I knew, T20 cricket after the powerplay from 7 to 10, that's the best time when you can pull the game off. We knew two wickets here and there, and we can take control of the game."
Bowlers showed character in middle overs
LSG were cruising at one stage before Mumbai's bowlers fought back strongly in the middle overs.
"I think about 8-9 overs, they were 110 or 120 for 1 or 2. I don't really remember. But then from there, pulling it to 162 for 5 in 16 overs, I think the performance was unbelievable," he said.
"The way all the bowlers responded, I think they showed a lot of character."
Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton set up chase
Suryakumar also praised the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, whose 143-run partnership set up the chase.
"Ryan Rickelton, he has been batting beautifully. And our very own Rohit Sharma coming back into the side, fit, ready, raring to go… the way he showed the entertainment to the crowd, I think it was unbelievable," he said.
On the opening stand, Suryakumar added: "It's always important to have a good start when you're chasing 220-225. The way they batted together, it looked like they were always in control."
