Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and mentor Sachin Tendulkar delivered a morale-boosting speech to the players after the franchise secured the unwanted record for conceding the most runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL). Mumbai Indians bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Sunrisers Hyderabad batters on March 27 (Wednesday) as the Orange Army posted a historic score of 277/3 in 20 overs.
After the game, Sachin urged his players to stick together as a unit to combat tougher times that lie ahead in the long competition. The legendary batter also lauded the effort of the MI batters in the daunting run chase.
"In the second half, in spite of scoring 277, 10 overs down the line nobody knew who was a clear winner. The game was very much open. The target was very much achievable. That's a clear-cut sign that we've batted really well. So let's stick together. Tighter. There are going to be tougher moments. We will stick together as a group and pull it through," Tendulkar said in a video shared by the Mumbai Indians on X.
Hardik Pandya joins the act
After Sachin, skipper Hardik too joined in and lifted the spirits of his teammates after what had been a forgettable outing in Hyderabad. Hardik acknowledged the effort of Mumbai batters while he also appreciated the bowlers for nigh shying away from the firing line.
"Toughest soldiers get the toughest test. And we are the toughest team in the competition. Anyone who would have come even close to where we reached, as a batting group or as just overall Mumbai Indians, are us. Something I am really proud of is our bowlers. Even when the day was tough, I didn't see no one running away. Everyone wanted the ball and that's a good sign. So let's make sure that we help each other throughout whatever happens. Worst. Bad. Good. We will manage it together," said Hardik.
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