Ishan Kishan dropped just after 3 failures? Netizens react after Rohit & Co. drop youngster for RR clash

The start of Mumbai's debacle: Netizens react after Rohit & Co. drop Ishan Kishan for Rajasthan Royals clash  |  Photo Credit: PTI

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) led by Rohit Sharma locked horns with Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match No.24 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Rohit-led MI were hoping to bounce back when they met Samson's RR at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Since Mumbai Indians were desperate to return back to winning ways in their title-defending season, the MI think tank was expected to tinker with their playing XI. 

Announcing the playing XI of the Mumbai Paltan, skipper Rohit surprisingly confirmed the ouster of Ishan Kishan as the premier batsman was not named in the starting eleven. Kishan, who emerged as the top-scorer for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 has failed to make the most of his opportunities this season. Sympathizing with Kishan's ouster from playing XI, fans and followers of the Mumbai Indians were quick to question the tactical change after the coin toss. 

"Ishan Kishan Dropped just after 3 Failures by Rohit despite being the Top performer last Season," one fan said in a tweet. "Ishan Kishan dropped. That's it! That's the start of MI's debacle. It won't be the same franchise anymore," another fan wrote. 

Kishan, who earlier made his international debut for Virat Kohli's Team India in the England series, was replaced by Nathan Coulter Nile. Speaking at the coin toss, Rohit confirmed that Mumbai Indians have only made a single change to their playing XI against the 2008 champions. 

"The pitch looks alright, looks a good pitch, better than Chennai. Looking to chase the total. This looks much better. We want to play fearless cricket, hopefully the guys take the responsibility. Ishan is out and Nathan Coulter Nile is in. You got to pick your best XI and find the right balance as well. I think looking at the conditions and opposition we have picked our best XI," Rohit said after winning the toss.