MI vs KKR Match 2 Results

6:20 PM IST The skipper of the Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya says it's been a long wait of 13 years to start the season with a win, and he is very glad the team has finally managed to do that. He adds that having seen how the wicket played, especially during Kolkata Knight Riders' powerplay, they knew it was a good batting surface and credits the bowlers for keeping things in check. Pandya mentions that 220 is always gettable if you get off to a strong start, and praises Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton for the start they provided. When asked how tough it was to choose between Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, Hardik replies that de Kock is a top man and took the decision in his stride when Rickelton was picked ahead of him. He adds that the team backed Rickelton because of what he has done for the franchise in the past, and is glad that faith has paid off. Hardik shares that he told Thakur that it was time to stop hopping franchises and settle here for the rest of his career. Mentions that Shardul is someone with a big heart who is always looking to outthink the batters.

6:20 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - In a game that saw 444 runs being scored, Shardul Thakur returned figures of 3 for 39 from his 4 overs. He says that it was a challenging situation when he came into bowl the 6th over, but he thrives in such situations. Adds that this venue has given him bitter and sweet memories. He was a net bowler here back in 2012, and is finally playing for the Mumbai Indians after a long wait. Shardul says that he would be more than happy to retire in MI. Reckons that the backing from the management and the skipper have been very helpful, and he feels pleased to represent the MI family. He ends by saying that the 'Lord' tag is given by the fans and that is how they show love towards him.

6:18 PM IST Fresh start beckons - Up next on Monday, 30th March, the Rajasthan Royals go up against the Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Two teams that endured disappointing campaigns last season will be eager to turn a new leaf. The game will get underway at 2 pm GMT (7.30 pm IST), but as always, you can join us early for the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

6:13 PM IST Ryan Rickelton is up for a chat - Ryan says that he feels pretty good. Adds that finding the middle of the bat early on alongside Rohit was pretty special. Mentions that he thought Tilak said yes on his run out, and he could not get around Blessing, but also admits it was not the bowler's fault. Rickelton further adds that Sherfane Rutherford came up to him and said it was a solid knock. Says the surface had been used just a few weeks ago during the World Cup, so it wasn’t the easiest to get going on. It took a bit of time to adjust, but he felt he adapted well and made the most of the conditions once he got in.

6:07 PM IST The captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders - Ajinkya Rahane says that he is feeling fine. Adds that he is suffering from a lot of cramps on both calves but hopefully he will be okay. Mentions that he thought 220 was a good score, but MI batted really well, and it is a learning curve for their bowlers like Blessing, Tyagi and Vaibhav. Rahane reckons that when Green starts to bowl, their combination will get much better. On being asked why he can't bowl, he says that the question should be asked to Cricket Australia. Ends by saying that there were still a lot of positives, Tyagi bowled well, playing a game after a long time and they will try and come back stronger in the next one.

6:05 PM IST Time for the presentation ceremony...