Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya was not welcomed by the crowd at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. At the coin toss, Hardik was booed at the coin toss. The crowd followed it up with ‘Rohit-Rohit’ chants.
“13 games to go, we need to keep doing the right things. We are positive and looking forward to the challenge. Just trying to spend time with all the players. Getting to know them better,” Hardik said after winning the toss as boos continued.
Amidst widespread criticism, Hardik admitted that he did not plan properly against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their opening game.
“Didn't plan properly, that cost us the game,” the all-rounder said.
Hardik expensive after dismissing opener
Once again, Hardik opened the bowling from the other end for five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. In the first over, Hardik created a chance but Tim David dropped a tough chance. SRH's Travis Head got an early reprieve and the ball went for a boundary. Mayank Agarwal hit him for a four in the first over as well.
In his second over in the powerplay overs. He banged the ball short and Agarwal went for a half-hearted pull shot. The top-edge went to David who made up for the dropped catch earlier. Agarwal departed for a 13-ball 11. However, MI's celebrations were short-lived as Hardik was hit from three fours by Head. He conceded 24 runs from the two overs he bowled during the fielding restrictions.
Maphaka takes a beating, Head’s fastest fifty for SRH
Hardik made one change to the side by replacing England's left-arm pacer with 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka. The South African became the second-youngest player for MI to make the IPL debut.
The teenager conceded seven runs in his first over. His second over was expensive. Head smashed him for two consecutive sixes and two fours to make it a 22-run over.
Head ended up reaching his half-century from just 18 balls. This is the fastest fifty for SRH in IPL history. Gerald Coetzee got his wicket in the eighth over. The Australian opener scored 62 runs from 24 balls including nine fours and three sixes.
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