Mumbai, April 11 -- Mumbai Indians head into their clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru knowing they have ground to make up despite beginning their campaign on a sound note. For the first time in 13 seasons, the five-time champions managed to win their opening game of an IPL season, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. It was the kind of start they had long been searching for, but the momentum didn't quite carry forward.
Two heavy defeats in away fixtures since then have pushed them down to eighth place on the points table, with a worrying Net Run Rate of -0.715. Within the group, there is a clear understanding that performances need to improve quickly, especially against a strong...