Tim David smashed Jason Holder for three successive sixes to take MI over the line.
Chasing 213 to win, the hosts needed 61 off 26 balls when David arrived in the middle and the Australian swashbuckler produced 45* off 14 balls to take MI over the finishing line with three deliveries to spare.
David’s match-winning knock was studded with 2 fours and 5 sixes. With 17 required off the last over, he smashed RR all-rounder Jason Holder for three consecutive sixes to seal the deal for MI.
Speaking after the game, MI skipper Rohit Sharma said it was pleasing to see his side chase down the target.
“It was pleasing to see how we chased down the target. Last game too, we came close and we back ourselves to chase them down. So it was pleasing,” said Rohit at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The MI captain also played down comparisons between former MI all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Tim David, saying that the Australian has big shoes to fill.
“Polly's shoes are big to fill, but Tim has got a lot of ability and power. At the back end that helps and is good to have. The changes in the side are difficult, but sometimes you have to play the conditions and make calls based on compositions, so the players need to be prepared for that,” he added.
From MI’s perspective, Rohit said pacer Jofra Archer returning to the side was a big positive while adding that Suryakumar Yadav’s innings was around the corner.
During the chase, Suryakumar also returned with a blazing 55 off 29 balls, slamming eight boundaries and two sixes.
“Jofra's had a massive injury, with bowlers we knew they need match practice. But his pace was a big positive and we thought SKY's innings like that was around the corner,” said Rohit.
Earlier, the Royals rode on opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s whirlwind 124 off 62 balls to rack up a mammoth 212/7 on the board.
Showering rich praise on Jaiswal, Rohit said: “I watched him last year, he's taken it to the next level. I asked him 'where did you get the power from'. He said he's been going to the gym, that's good for him, India and RR.”
Mumbai Indians will next face Punjab Kings in Mohali on May 3.