Ahmedabad, April 15 (IANS): With his side slumping to its third defeat in as many matches of the eighth Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday blamed a poor start with the bat and lack of discipline with the ball for their loss to Rajasthan Royals here.

"We did not start well with the bata poor performance with the bat," Rohit said at the post match presentation ceremony after the Mumbai Indians lost by seven wickets.

"We have to take responsibility with bat and be a little discipline d with ball," said Rohit.

Opting to bat first, Mumbai Indians were 31/2 inside seven over, and then 45/3 at the halfway stage.

Sharma, however, thanked middle order batsmen Kieron Pollard and Corey Anderson for their 104 runs partnership for the fourth wicket that helped the side reach a respectable total.

"Thanks to Corey and Polly for bringing us back in the game. I thin k it was a decent score, not a great one but something to bowl at," a dejected Rohit said.

However, he also praised the Royals for batting well.

As for the Mumbai Indians' hattrick of loses, Rohit said "W e have some work to do".

Rohit said opener Aaron Finch, who developed cramps while running a single, would undergo a scan on Wednesday.

"Aaron Finch does not look good right now. He will take a scan tomorrow."