IPL Pulse: Quashing rumours, crushing hopes

Good morning

It's happy Friday, unless you're a PBKS fan who's seen the team go from 'can't lose' to 'can't win'. A fourth place on the points table still doesn't look too alarming until you notice CSK and RR breathing right down their necks.

It's been a terrifying freefall, with the latest chapter unfolding last night. Here's Cricketlineguruji Pulse, your two-minute morning scan of the IPL-verse, to help you catch up ICYMI or simply relive it.

Last night in five lines

MI sunk PBKS to fifth successive defeat

Batting first, PBKS had a strong start before a serious wobble, going from 107/1 to 140/7

MI's sloppiness in the field allowed a late surge, with PBKS picking off 60 runs from the last four overs to reach 200/8

Rickelton got MI off to a blazing start before PBKS pulled it back

But they failed to defend 50 off the last three overs as Tilak Varma and Will Jacks went berserk

Oh, that happened

With both Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav unavailable, Jasprit Bumrah captained the Mumbai Indians for the very first time. "It feels good. I came here as a 19-year-old. I didn't think that I'll be a Test captain before I'll captain Mumbai Indians," he said after becoming just the 10th player to captain the franchise.

Pulse Awards

The irresistible-sequence award goes to Suryansh Shedge for enabling PBKS's score to go from 123/4 to 123/5

The definitely-in-the-grass award goes to the IPL's catch-dropping epidemic that saw six fresh cases last night. Five by MI, one by Jansen

The missing-top-gear award goes to Cooper Connolly, Rohit Sharma and Sherfane Rutherford for striking in the 90s despite facing over 20 balls

The unassuming-assassin award goes to Shardul Thakur for his spell of 4/39 that went under the radar both last night and in this Pulse up until this point

The bowled-not-bold award goes to five different players for losing their castles

Talking Point

PBKS's campaign might've nosedived, but there's been one constant that has yielded positive results throughout - the opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The duo seemingly bring the best out of each other, with Prabhsimran particularly thriving alongside Priyansh. The duo also have the best run-rate for any opening pair in this IPL. Here's more about their complementary madness.

The Chatter

PBKS's assistant coach Brad Haddin assured that the dressing room has been "good" and suggested that there's no merit to any rumours.

"Plenty of discussions keep happening on social media, some are right, some are wrong," said Shardul Thakur but insisted that injury was the reason behind Hardik Pandya's absence.

Tilak Varma said that he loves "finishing games" and that playing in the World Cup and for the country has helped him understand how to do so

"I've captained (in) a Test match. I've captained (in) T20Is. Now the only game that is left is ODI cricket. But I don't see that happening," said Jasprit Bumrah with a laugh.

Stat Snack

Punjab Kings became the second side in IPL to follow five or more successive wins in completed games with five defeats after SRH in 2022.

Gossip Column

This isn't a good time for gossip. The birdies are in temporary hiding, their information streams now under strict surveillance while multiple parties are looking to hunt them down. The constant public quashing and denials haven't helped either.

Today's watchlist

Injury concerns continue to mount for CSK, with Jamie Overton the latest casualty. Frequent player losses aside, CSK are riding a fluent wave of momentum and will be looking to extend their winning streak to four when they face LSG today. A win will push them into the top-four for the first time this season!

Reckless prediction for today

A private jet will land in Lucknow carrying someone who missed their scheduled plane earlier.