MI benefit from Bumrah's keenness to 'take the new ball'

The last four batters of Rajasthan Royals have been impressive in this IPL. In 57 balls, they have scored 84 runs -- an average and strike rate bettered by only their counterparts in Kolkata Knight Riders. While it bodes well that the lower order is able to contribute significantly in T20, it also exposes a larger issue at hand -- the inability of the top and the middle order to take the onus.

Three games in a row -- all three resulting in losses - Rajasthan Royals' top order has collapsed early. More striking has been the manner of dismissal, especially that of Steven Smith, who has uncharacteristically looked to attack, irrespective of the merit of the ball and thrown his wicket away. That, despite having gained success in a more conventional style in the first two games of the tournament.

Jos Buttler, who was the