Batting let Mumbai down - Robin Singh

The Mumbai Indians coach Robin Singh has said an "extremely poor" batting display led to his side's 32-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. Playing before their home crowd, the Mumbai Indians batsmen failed to chase a target of 141, with Knight Riders' three specialist spinners picking up six wickets between them.

"I think we had this game, but our batting was extremely poor, on a wicket like this I think we should have easily got this score," Robin said. "We could not chase 140, we didn't bat well, there's nothing more to explain, we have only batted well in patches.

"There have been some very close games and some games that have been mind-boggling. Ultimately this format is about the batsmen. Bowlers have to do their bit, but the batters need to put them under pressure, and if you allow the bowlers to come into the game, then you're in trouble."

Knight Riders' offspinner Sunil Narine made life difficult for Mumbai Indians' batsmen, picking up four for 15. "If you look at his economy rate, he's extremely accurate and almost like Malinga for us," Robin said. "He doesn't give you much to drive. I was talking to Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Smith, who have played him a lot, and they say he bowls an off-break with two or three fingers. You can't look at the hand and play him, you must consistently play him off the wicket.

"It's more important to play him on the back foot more than the front foot and he doesn't give you anything in his range to hit. It becomes very difficult to hit him when the wicket is slower and lower, you need a wicket with a little more bounce and he'll be an easier bowler to play."

Robin said Mumbai Indians' batsmen lacked intent in the chase. "I think our bowlers did a good job today, our batsmen didn't show any intent in the first six overs. In four overs if you score eight runs, then a score of 140 is difficult."

With Mumbai Indians currently at third place in the points table, Robin said his side must work hard to secure a berth in the playoffs. "Our next game (against Rajasthan Royals on May 20) is equally important. I don't think we are safe in terms of qualification because even Rajasthan can still qualify at this point in time."