Hardik Pandya tasted his first defeat as Indian Premier League (IPL) captain as Gujarat Titans (GT) faced a defeat by eight wickets at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While GT lost their first match of the season, Hardik scored his first half-century of the season. During his unbeaten 50-run knock, the all-rounder was tested by some raw pace by Umran Malik, who hit him on the helmet.
SRH’s pace sensation Malik’s first delivery was too fast for Hardik as it hit his helmet. The short delivery hit him near the ear-protector. While it is mandatory for the doctor to do a concussion check, Hardik sent him back in an attempt to show some toughness against the express fast bowler.
“IPL is tough so I tried to show some toughness (against Malik). That (blow to the helmet) woke me up,” Hardik admitted in the post-match presentation ceremony.
After the helmet blow, Hardik was ready for the fuller delivery and hit it for a four through covers. The Jammu & Kashmir then banged it short again but Hardik was ready this time and dismissed it towards mid-wicket for a boundary.
Hardik remained unbeaten for 50 off 42 deliveries to help Titans post 162/7 after SRH skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first. Hardik pointed out the parts where SRH edged past them.
“I think batting wise we were 7-10 runs short. That would have made difference in the end. We started well with the ball, but those two overs where they scored 30 [31] runs, got them back into the game,” Hardik said referring to the expensive overs from Lockie Ferguson and Mohammed Shami in the powerplay overs.
With the ball, Hardik was impressive as well. He conceded 27 runs and got the wicket of Williamson in his last over. After the defeat, Hardik did not look too worried as they have won three out of four games in the season.
“We need to learn from the mistakes, we will have a conversation and a laugh as we have out next game in a couple of days,” he further added.
