A decade-long ritual, supporters of the Mumbai Indians (MI) have sat down annually to witness their team fall flat on its face on the opening of the IPL. Coaches changed, captains evolved, squads were rebuilt. However, none have aided MI in securing a “win” in an opener.
Until now.
After nearly 14 years of on-and-off field challenges, MI broke the almost-impossible-to-believe streak of losing its opening match. The last time they won an opener was 2012. Since then, the MI had lost 13 consecutive opening matchups while still holding the record for most IPL championships.
To add to the emotional tone of the moment, MI ended this bizarre jinx by chasing down a record total against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium. Their target was a steep 221 runs, a mountain in most other circusmtances. But last night saw Rohit and Rickleton go on the attack almost from the get-go.
Rohit Sharma’s incredible knock was the catalyst for the Mumbai Indians’ extraordinary display of fearless batting to chase down what seemed like an insurmountable target. Mumbai finished their innings with five balls remaining, sealing a convincing opening-night win that backs up their pre-tournament credentials as one of the favourites.
The story behind this win is even more compelling than just a win; it represents change.
The Mumbai Indians have historically been referred to as “slow starters”. They have routinely lost their first match, re-grouped, and come back to dominate the remaining matches. This pattern has resulted in four titles, but as a team, they have suffered an unfortunate ‘opening match jinx’ over the course of their tremendously successful franchise history.
Overall, this win is about so much more than just getting two points. It is symbolic. It represents a change in mentality. It illustrates a new approach from the Mumbai Indians; no longer are they going to have to find their rhythm; they are going to show up with it.
There is an element of timing as well. With Hardik Pandya appointed captain and with players of the caliber of Rohit still delivering match-winning contributions, the victory could set the tone for a much different Mumbai franchise campaign this season.
Additionally, for fans, they are simply feeling relieved and happy. No more jokes about opening-day losses. No more comments relating to how ‘we will bounce back later!’ For once, the Mumbai Indians have started strong.
And if history is anything to go by, that should make the rest of the league just a little nervous.
