Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya who is currently featuring in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 has smashed 29 runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pick Gurjapneet Singh during the Tamil Nadu vs Baroda clash. CSK spend Rs. 2.2 crore to pick Gurjapneet Singh in the mega auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 happened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hardik smashed 69 off 30 balls before getting run out, helping the Krunal Pandya-led side to defeat Tamil Nadu by three wickets.
The video of Hardik smashing sixes has gone viral on social sphere, here is the clip.
Hardik was batting alongside Raj Limbani in the middle order. Baroda scored 152 runs after losing six wickets in the 16th over. Krunal Pandya-led side needed 70 off 26 and then Gurjapneet who was CSK's pick in IPL 2025 mega auction came to bowl. Hardik who was on strike smashed 4 sixes and a four in the 17th over and scored 29 runs.
After that, Hardik smashed Vijay Shankar for two sixes in the 19th over and he was another CSK buy in the mega auction. Hardik, however, was run out in the final over after a sensational direct hit from Vijay Shankar, who was stationed in the mid-wicket region. With M Mohammed bowling the final over, the equation came down to 9 off 5 balls when Hardik fell for 69 off 30 balls.
Hardik was seen unhappy after getting run out as Baroda were in a spot of bother. Mohammed who was bowling to Hardik seemed calm after his dismissal. He brought the equation to 4 runs from the last delivery. However, Atit Sheth, who walked in after Hardik's exit, hit the final delivery, a wide short-ball, for a boundary and sealed the win for Baroda.