Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya did not resort to Plan B when the pacers were hit for fours and sixes by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and in-form Shivam Dube. Hardik didn't let Mohammad Nabi complete his quota of four overs. Also, he gave leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal just one over despite him dismissing opener Rachin Ravindra. After MI’s 20-run defeat at home against CSK, Hardik explained why he bowled just four overs of spin.
“It was about what is best at that time, we could have done something different. I like to play percentage cricket, it would have been difficult for him (Dube) against seamers rather than spin,” the 30-year-old said in the post-match presentation.
Dube has been attacking against spinners. However, the pacers could not trouble him either. He smashed two sixes and 10 fours in his unbeaten 38-ball 66 to propel CSK to 206/4 with help of MS Dhoni's four-ball 20 cameo in the final over.
Hardik took a beating from Dhoni in the final over as he was hit for three sixes. Later, he scored just two runs from six balls when MI needed 12 runs per over.
Hardik points out Dhoni’s crucial role
Hardik felt that the target was achievable but Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana made all the difference. He also lauded Dhoni who was guiding the bowlers despite Rohit Sharma firing on all cylinders during his unbeaten 105.
“It was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, that helps. It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets,” he further explained.
While Gopal went for nine runs in his only over, Afghan off-spinner was economical. He opened the bowling for the hosts and conceded 19 runs in three overs. Meanwhile, all MI pacers barring Jasprit Bumrah were taken to the cleaners.
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