Following the Mumbai Indians’ sixth consecutive victory of the season, former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu expressed his belief that the five-time winners’ success is due to their astute strategy and players’ flawless execution of their responsibilities.

With 14 points from 11 games, the five-time winners swept Rajasthan by 100 runs at home to take the lead in the standings. At Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the away team put on an all-around display, with Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah taking three wickets apiece to dismiss Rajasthan for 117 in 16.1 overs, while Ryan Rickleton (61), Rohit Sharma (54), Suryakumar Yadav (48 not out), and Hardik Pandya (48 not out) led them to 217/2.

With winning momentum on their side, the Mumbai Indians are well-positioned to advance to the playoffs and escape the calamity of finishing last in the standings.

“The Mumbai Indians’ success stems from their astute strategy; see how many short balls they bowled today, which is uncommon at Wankhede. However, they performed effectively and understood the circumstances. The Mumbai Indians go into a trance at the IPL’s business end; they play to their strengths, stay in their positions, and manage pressure better than others. They are a formidable club once they reach the postseason. On JioHotstar, Rayudu said, “You can select nine to ten individual match-winners in their playing XI.”

Suryakumar’s versatility and dominance against bowlers were commended by the former Mumbai Indians batsman.

Suryakumar Yadav exerts tremendous pressure on bowlers. He is both a strong hitter and a cunning batter, which bowlers have had to contend with. He has the flexibility to go behind the wicketkeeper or straight down the ground. Under all circumstances, he never allows bowlers to dominate. That is his unique quality.

Rayudu believes that the visiting hitters must play well in order to earn two important points from Friday’s match between the Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad performed well against the struggling Chennai Super Kings in the last game, but they need to improve their batting going ahead. The Gujarat Titans, who are playing well, particularly with their bowling assault, will be their opponent. They’ll have their work cut out for them, so it won’t be simple,” Rayudu said.

Gujarat defeated Hyderabad by seven wickets at their home ground in their last meeting earlier this season.