Mumbai Indians’ hopes of reaching the IPL 2024 playoffs were dealt a massive blow as they lost to Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets on Monday. MI are currently seventh with 6 points from 8 matches with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.227. That means that MI will have to win all of their remaining six games or depend on other results if they lose any more matches in the competition. On the other hand, RR continued their dominance at the top of the table with 14 points and one more win will be enough to book their spot in the playoffs.

Yashasvi Jaiswal roared back to form with a terrific hundred after Sandeep Sharma‘s maiden five-for as a rampaging Rajasthan Royals hammered Mumbai Indians by nine wickets.

After Sandeep returned 4-0-18-5 to record the best bowling figures this IPL, Jaiswal found form at last in Rajasthan’s final home game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, flaying the Mumbai Indians attack during his 104 not out off 60 balls.

Despite a rain intervention delaying the proceedings, Rajasthan did not face much challenge in overhauling a 180-run target set by Mumbai Indians, reaching 183/1 in 18.4 overs.

The contest also witnessed India and RR spinner Yuzvendra Chahal entering history books with 200 dismissals.

After Jaiswal put on 79 runs for the opening wicket with Jos Buttler (35, 25 balls, 6x4s), he added another unbeaten 109 for the second wicket with Sanju Samson (38 not out).

Jaiswal, who came into this IPL after an immensely successful five-Test series against England, had blown hot and cold. While he repeatedly got quick starts, Jaiswal was not able to convert those into anything substantial until this contest.

The 22-year-old finally overcame the obstacle, unleashing powerful pulls and delightful drives in his knock, which contained nine fours and seven sixes.

With this knock, Jaiswal joined Buttler to have scored a century for RR this season. Between them, the pair shares three centuries in this IPL already.

On a benign surface and up against a lopsided bowling attack, Jaiswal flourished right from the word go and went on to register a knock of highest quality — one that would bring him back in contention for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The massive margin of win for the Royals, meanwhile, consolidated their position at the top of the points table.

The Sanju Samson-led side now has 14 points in its kitty with a Net Run Rate of 0.698 with the win firming up their claim for a spot in the playoffs.

(With PTI inputs)