IPL 2022 LIVE: Just Matter of Getting 1st Win, Zaheer Khan Backs MI After 4th Straight Loss

IPL 2022 LIVE: Zaheer Khan has backed Mumbai Indians (MI), saying it is just a matter of getting the first win. He has also suggested that MI need to focus on “close situations”.

Zaheer, MI’s director of cricket operations, wants the side to build on the positives that have been working for them. Rohit Sharma and Co suffered a fourth straight loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Saturday.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated MI by seven wickets at MCA Stadium, Pune. Five-time champions MI are yet to register a victory in the IPL 2022.

“Close situations. You’ve got to be able to close those moments of the game where the momentum is shifting. We’ve, as a team, not been able to do that. So that is something we have to focus on. Focus on the positives, the things that have been working for us, and keep building on that. It’s a long season, so we have to keep things tight and keep getting better,” Zaheer said at the post-match press conference.

IPL 2022 LIVE: You need to have ‘situational awareness,’ says Zaheer Khan

The ex-MI bowler went on to add that he has always endorsed one thing about the T20 format; it is important for a player to express himself “freely and be with the game as it unfolds”.

“You have to have that situational awareness and act accordingly when the partnership is going on. If you can gauge that with the help of the captain, you can get on top of situations,” Zaheer added further.

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After losing their opening encounter of IPL 2022 to Delhi Capitals (DC), MI have faced defeats against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and RCB. This is the third case of MI losing their opening four games in an IPL campaign after the 2008 and 2015 seasons. In fact, MI went on to win the title in the 2015 edition.

Moreover, there are 11 more league games to still go in the ongoing season. “We’ve got to get on a roll. You’ve seen in this tournament how teams get on a losing roll or gain winning momentum. It’s just a matter of (getting the) first win. At times you get tight as well, you start doubting yourselves in situations where the pressure is highest,” said Zaheer before adding that MI need to be aware of the same and look for that spark in the group.

MI’s upcoming game in the IPL 2022 is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday (April 13) at Pune’s MCA Stadium. Mayank Agarwal-led PBKS have managed to win two out of their last four games and are placed seventh in the IPL 2022 points table. MI are at the penultimate place in the table, a position above defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Looking for more IPL betting tips and match guides for the 2022 season? Read here.