Mumbai Indians wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan defended his teammate and West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph after he had a disappointing performance in the match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (April 13). 

Alzarri kickstarted his IPL career with record-breaking figures of 6/12 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad last Saturday, but gave away 53 runs from his quota of four overs in Mumbai's home encounter with Royals, who eventually chased down the 188-run target quite comfortably on the back of Jos Buttler's fantastic knock of 89 runs off just 43 balls. 

"It’s part of the game," said Kishan after the match. "The other day he took six wickets and helped defend a small total."

Joseph conceded 28 runs in the 13th over of Rajasthan's run-chase, which completely turned the game in favour of the away team. 

"It was an important over as Rajasthan went ahead then. But still, he’s a very good bowler and will make a strong come back," Kishan added. 

It was one of those days for Joseph, who later had an injury scare after diving to save a boundary. The 22-year-old hurt his shoulder badly. When being asked for an update on the right-arm fast bowler, Kishan said, "I don’t know about his injury status as he was on the physio’s table."

Kishan also showered praise on Jos Buttler, whose amazing knock was glint with seven sixes and eight fours.

"Jos Buttler batted really well," he said. "It’s not easy to bat on a slow wicket. Credit goes to him also."

(Inputs from PTI)