The Mumbai Indians’ MI-ssion 2024 gained its first share of optimism following the 29-run triumph against Delhi Capitals on ESA Day. And our all-rounder Tim David asserted that building our campaign onward and upward from this win is essential while speaking to the media during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Tim Bhau’s partnership with Romario Shepherd was the underlying injection of confidence for the Mumbai Indians, who scored 234 against DC in the last game. Is he someone who can perhaps join the ‘finishers’ club? The Singapore-born Aussie star had a confident reply.

“This is why he (Romario) is here; that is what he’s on our team to do. At the stage, obviously, I’d faced a few more balls, so I was at the start of the over and thinking I could get on strike and do some damage in the back end, and Romario hit the first ball for four. He said to me, ' Do you want the single? ' I said, 'Mate, you just hit a boundary, so go on'.”

“I probably didn't think he was going to get 32, but it was pretty exciting watching.”

While defending the target of 235, Jasprit Bumrah ensured the slight flutters faced were just flutters and nothing more. The Wankhede has historically been a very high-scoring venue, and with the impact sub coming in as well, it’s getting more challenging for the bowlers.

“We know the Wankhede is always tough to defend at the back end, especially in the second innings. Of course, bowlers will be under pressure. That's the nature of playing at Wankhede, playing for Mumbai,” he said.

“We've got Booms, world-class at the top, and the other guys have been doing their jobs well.”

A win on the table has set MI’s campaign rolling. When asked if the team had any set plans, David assured that the process remained the same and that there was no room for complacency.

“To be honest, we're most focused on ourselves. We didn’t play our best cricket in the first three matches, and as we gain momentum, this team can go on a real winning run. We’re looking forward to that happening, and it will be great to be a part of it,” he said.

“We have the squad to push through the finals and will be up there at the end. After three defeats, it’s frustrating because everyone feels like they’re trying their best. We sat down as a team and told ourselves it was time to challenge ourselves. We don't have any more chances here to keep playing below our best, so it was pleasing that we could come out with that performance and get the win. It's essential to start from here.

“And when you're losing, it feels so hard to win a game. When you're winning, it becomes a lot easier. So it's about staying disciplined, not getting complacent. We are doing our prep. The process is the same. Having that first win under our belt, we have some confidence, so we’ll cash in with a few more.”

Tim was also very optimistic about skipper Hardik Pandya’s contribution in the previous game. He credited him with laying the platform that caused the final explosion.

“Hardik has been vital to our team. In the last match, we struggled hard for momentum towards the back end, and he (Hardik) played perfectly, which set the platform for Romario and me to go on with at the end. Hardik has been phenomenal for the team, which we need at some point,” Tim said.

“Sometimes it's me, and sometimes it’s other guys. You could look at the first game, where Hardik hit two boundaries in his first two balls. So, we have complete faith in him. We know his power and how good he is, and when he gets into that situation, he will win games for us.”

Lastly, Tim David was asked how he looks forward to facing compatriot and former MI player Cameron Green, who is now on the opposite side. True to his sporting rules, our star all-rounder said that while he relishes the challenge, it’s all about playing and helping the team win.

“I went to the same school as Cam, so it's obviously about bragging rights. You are playing against your mates, but they're the opposition. Yes, we played together a year ago. But people change their games and learn different skills, so you can't bank on that knowledge. It's all about playing the game out of the middle,” he said.

Paltan, are you ready to see your favourite Tim Bhau light up the Wankhede Stadium with his pyrotechnics off the bat and superhuman reflexes in the field? Blue vs Red is always epic. Shout, scream, yell your lungs out in support!!!