Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 13 registered their first away win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The Hardik Pandya-led MI survived the comeback man Karun Nair's onslaught and beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 12 runs by bowling hosts out in 19 overs. When Nair was going all guns blazing, the ball was changed after former captain Rohit Sharma's suggestion from the dugout. Captain Pandya was in on the plan and then introduced leg-spinner Karn Sharma as the 'impact player'. The plan worked as DC's run chase was derailed but former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar to get the credit for the win and not Rohit because he was the one who took the decision on the field.
"There are many people who are there to give suggestions but it all depends on the person in the middle who has to take the decision. He (Hardik) listened to the advice (from Rohit) is the biggest thing. If you give Rohit credit here as well and not Hardik Pandya, it would be the wrong thing. If the suggestion had failed, you would've blamed Hardik," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Manjrekar wants Pandya to get the entire credit. He pointed out how emotional Pandya was when the team won.
"It's quite easy to give suggestions from outside. The entire credit for this (victory), should go to Hardik Pandya. Considering how emotional he has been (over Mumbai's recent results), it was an important win for him. It has been quite a difficult journey for him. Would be wrong if social media and others say that Mumbai Indians won because of Rohit Sharma's suggestions. Hardik Pandya is the captain, and he is the one taking decisions, no matter who is giving suggestions," Manjrekar added.
Karn's crucial strikes
Karn bowled his quota of four overs, conceded 36 runs and claimed three wickets. He broke the second-wicket partnership by dismissing Abishek Porel. Then, he got rid of an in-form KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs.
This was MI's second win from six games. They are now placed seventh on the points table. Their net run rate (NRR) is now positive as well.