Our mentor Zaheer Khan reminded the players that we are still in the race for an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs spot despite a 54-run defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Electing to bowl first, our pace sensation Mayank Yadav impressed on his return after a long injury layoff with two crucial wickets, while fast bowler Avesh Khan also bagged two scalps to help us restrict MI to 215/7 in our 20 overs.

Apart from Mayank and Avesh, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav and Digvesh Rathi chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 216, Ayush Badoni (35), Mitchell Marsh (34), Nicholas Pooran (27) and David Miller (24) kept us in the hunt, however, it wasn’t enough as we fell short by 54 runs.

“We’re still in it, that’s what matters,” Zaheer said in the dressing room after our disappointing loss at the Wankhede.

“We’re going to continue with our process. Don’t worry too much about what’s happened in the last few games,’’ Zaheer urged them to shrug off the disappointing results.

Zaheer stated that the players must utilise their one-week break to come back with renewed energy ahead of our crucial clash against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.

“When you have your downtime, figure it out. We will come back rejuvenated and with lots of energy, because we are going to need every bit of it. So, we will give ourselves the best chance of achieving that,” our mentor added.

With 10 points from 10 matches, our boys are currently placed sixth on the IPL 2025 standings, and will need to win at least three of the remaining four games to keep our chances of finishing in the top four.