The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) registered their first win of Indian Premier League (IPL) after three consecutive losses. In the high-scoring encounter where Akash Madhwal, Romario Shepherd and Piyush Chawla went for plenty, Pandya did not bowl. The pacer has not bowled in two matches and when asked about the reason behind it, he did not give a clear answer but confirmed that it is not a fitness issue.
“I am fine. I'll be bowling at the right time, we had everything covered today so did not have to roll my arms over,” the 30-year-old said in the post-match presentation.
Hardik revealed that a lot of hard work was done behind the scenes. Also, he made it clear that MI have found their ideal team combination.
“It was a lot of hard work. We had to clear our minds and make sure that we believed. We will be making tactical changes here and there but this will be our 12 and settling our team now is important. There's a lot of love and care going around in the changeroom. Belief and backing each other is the attitude out there. Everyone believed we need just one win,” he added.
The all-rounder was impressed with the start skipper Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan provided. He was in awe of Shepherd who smashed Anrich Nortje for 32 runs in the final over to help them post an above par total of 234/5.
“It was an amazing start today, always wonderful to get 70 odd in 6 overs. The way everyone chipped in when the opportunity was coming was good to see. That was some hitting na (On Romario's heroics). He won us the game. Difference was Romario v Delhi Capitals. I like him. Always has a smile on his face, doesn't run away,” said the MI skipper.
Pandya walked out to bat at no.4 ahead of Tilak Varma to keep the left-right combination intact. He scored 39 runs from 33 balls including three fours and a six. He was dismissed by Nortje in the 18th over of the season.
MI will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their next match.
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