HUNGRY FOR VICTORY.....

The Mumbai Indians further fortified their position in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) as they defeated the Deccan Chargers by 25 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 18. Coach Lalchand Rajput has every reason to be thrilled with his wards' performances and appreciated his team's resurgent form after their sixth consecutive victory in the Twenty20 competition.

Initially, the most expensive team of the IPL had a poor start in the tourney with four consecutive losses. As the League proceeded, the Mumbai team had a steady climb and now occupies the fourth spot on the points table.

While speaking to the media at the post-match press conference, Rajput said, "I have repeated quite a few times that the first two games were quite close matches. The verdict would have been either way too. The most notable thing about the team is that we have overcome the setbacks and we hope to continue performing in the same way."

He signified that his team has been sporting an apt mental approach and attitude, further specifying that they will not be smug about their success.

"We will not be complacent. We will take one match at a time," he stated.

When quizzed about the secret of their stupendous comeback in the League, a merry Rajput replied, "There is no secret. But what is important is that the team is very hungry for winning. You can see the energy level on the ground and the intensity with which they are playing. They are playing as a team."

Rajput did not seem to be relaxed even though his team has been winning matches on the trot.

"The journey is certainly not easy as there are quite some matches to go. As I said earlier, we are taking one match at a time. The verdict is never predictable in a game like cricket. We are certainly confident and not overconfident," he stated.

Mumbai Indians still have four games to play before the knock-out phase begins. They will face Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers.