The Kolkata Knight Riders were 0-72 in the ninth over, chasing the Mumbai Indians’ score of 152 all out, before the reigning IPL champions turned the match around.
Rahul Chahar starred with 4-27 from his four overs, while Trent Boult was economical and dangerous with 2-27 from his four.
But Chahar’s four dismissals were all four of KKR’s top four batsmen, including the set openers Nitish Rana (57 from 47) and Shubman Gill (33 from 24).
“It was a great fightback considering where the game was while they were batting,” Rohit said.
“Anyone who came to bowl at different stages wanted to put their hands up and do something for the team. We can take a lot of confidence from this game.
“There were lots of positives. The way KKR started, they batted brilliantly in the first six overs. But once the powerplay was gone, the way Rahul came and got wickets was crucial.
“And Krunal (Pandya, 1-13 from four overs) at the end was also crucial. I can praise all the bowlers, honestly. Good signs for the team moving forward.”
While it was a glowing bowling performance for Mumbai, KKR was left to lament the one which got away after Andre Russell took a rare T20 five-wicket haul with 5-15 from two overs to decimate the Indians.
“It’s disappointing,” he said. “A lot of the time we played good cricket, certainly the first half and a majority of the chase.
“We made mistakes, hopefully we can iron them out. Mumbai are a very good side.
“I think the perfect game is to be able to do both and we’ve managed to do neither in the end.”