India, March 30 -- Mumbai Indians cruised to a six-wicket victory in their IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, at Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Chasing 221 runs, MI raced to 224/4 in 19.1 overs, of openers Ryan Rickelton (81) and Rohit Sharma (78). Taking to X, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed out two tactical observations from the match in the first innings when KKR were batting.

Chopra stated that only two MI bowlers bowled back-to-back overs, which were Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Hardik's spell came in the opening stages, and KKR were in cruise control mode then, but failed to score a single run through the offside.

"Two interesting things to note in yesterday's first innings. Only two bowlers for MI bowed...