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Tag: Hardik Pandya

  • Hardik Pandya’s Wife Natasa Stankovic Faces Social Media Backlash After Announcing Divorce. cricket news

    In a recent turn of events, Natasa Stankovic and cricketer Hardik Pandya have officially announced their separation after months of speculation. The couple, known for their public persona and joint ventures, confirmed the news through a heartfelt joint statement on Thursday night. Despite their decision to part ways, they emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their 3-year-old son, Agastya, ensuring his happiness remains paramount.

    Also Read: EXPLAINED: How Much Could Hardik Pandya Lose From ₹91 Crore Net Worth Amid Divorce Rumors With Natasa Stankovic? IN PICS

    The Announcement and Public Reaction

    “After 4 years of being together, Hardik and I have decided to mutually part ways,” the statement read, underscoring the difficulty of their decision despite their shared joy and respect. The announcement sparked an immediate wave of reactions across social media platforms, with fans expressing a range of sentiments from empathy to disappointment. Despite Natasa disabling comments on her Instagram post, criticisms surfaced on other platforms, questioning the couple’s decision.

    Speculations and Viral Discussions

    Speculations regarding their separation began earlier this year when observant netizens noted changes in Natasa’s social media handles. A Reddit post titled “Natasa and Hardik separated?” further fueled public interest, with discussions extending to Natasa’s recent absence from IPL 2024 matches. These rumors gained momentum despite the couple’s efforts to maintain privacy.

    Moving Forward: Co-Parenting and Personal Choices

    While the separation marks a significant personal transition for both Natasa and Hardik, they remain interconnected through their commitment to Agastya. Natasa’s recent sighting at Mumbai airport, accompanied by her son, hints at her focus on family amid media scrutiny. As she navigates this period with grace, her relocation to Serbia signifies a new chapter in her personal journey.

  • Is Hardik Pandya from the West Indies? Broadcaster’s error sparks hilarious reactions | Cricket News

    In an amusing twist during the post-match coverage of the West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea Group C game at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya found himself at the center of an unexpected and hilarious gaffe. As viewers tuned in to watch the summary of the match, they were met with the Indian vice-captain Hardik Pandya’s image in place of Roston Chase, who had just played a match-winning knock for the West Indies. This blunder by the broadcasters instantly went viral, rekindling old jokes about Pandya’s Caribbean-like demeanor and appearance.

    Hardik Pandya’s pic in the West Indies vs Papua New Guinea scorecard. You know the results! Reason why not:#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TGIeWaEWE0

    — Cricket Freak (@cricketingfever) June 3, 2024

    Hardik Pandya’s picture in the West Indies Vs Papua New Guinea scorecard, Pandya replaced everyone.

    Big blunder from Hotstar! @DisneyPlusHS #t20worldcup2024 pic.twitter.com/O3Dhtdt73i — 7G_Hotspot ___ (@VImvinit007) June 3, 2024

    Hardik Pandya’s photo in the West Indies Vs Papua New Guinea scorecard. ,

    – A glitch from Hotstar!#T20WorldCup #India #INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/NLBg5kn693 — No Name (@Kaptaan5487) June 3, 2024

    The broadcast displayed Hardik Pandya’s picture on the scorecard during the West Indies vs PNG match. _pic.twitter.com/dRWhKGvpCi

    — Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) June 3, 2024

    Hardik Pandya’s photo in the West Indies Vs Papua New Guinea scorecard. ,

    -A glitch from Hotstar! pic.twitter.com/ftuweQM50J — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2024

    Caribbean Connection

    The mix-up during the broadcast brought back memories of past comments comparing Pandya’s lifestyle and persona to that of a typical Caribbean cricketer. Pandya’s brother, Krunal, once humorously noted, “If you see a picture of Hardik as a child, you would think that this kid is from the Caribbean, not an Indian kid.” This sentiment was echoed by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who remarked in a 2018 interview, “I met Hardik Pandya the other day, it seemed like he is Jamaican-born. He can’t be from Baroda!”

    The Error That Sparked the Internet

    The broadcasting error occurred during the summary of the West Indies’ thrilling victory over Papua New Guinea. Instead of showing Roston Chase, Brandon King, and other players from the match, the graphics repeatedly displayed Pandya’s image. Fans quickly took to social media, sharing screenshots and poking fun at the mistake. One fan quipped, “Is Hardik Pandya from the West Indies now?” while another joked, “Pandya’s Caribbean vacation is official!”

    Hardik Pandya’s Performance and Social Media Reception

    Despite the mix-up, Pandya’s recent form has been a topic of much discussion. Leading up to the T20 World Cup, Pandya’s performance in the IPL 2024 had been underwhelming, both as a bowler and a batsman. However, in the warm-up match against Bangladesh, he reminded everyone of his prowess by scoring a quickfire 40 off 23 balls and taking a crucial wicket. This performance was crucial as he steps into the vice-captaincy role, hoping to guide India to another T20 World Cup title.

    The Importance of Hardik Pandya for Team India

    Hardik Pandya’s role in the Indian cricket team is pivotal. As a pace-bowling all-rounder, he brings much-needed balance to the squad. His ability to finish games with the bat and chip in with important wickets makes him a valuable asset. The onus lies on him to perform consistently and lead by example, especially with the added responsibility of vice-captaincy.

  • Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic Goes On Vacation Amid Divorce Rumours: Report | Cricket News

    In a dramatic turn of events, Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, has found himself at the center of swirling divorce rumours while also grappling with a tough IPL season. As speculations about his personal life with wife Natasa Stankovic intensify, Hardik has reportedly jetted off to an undisclosed overseas location for a much-needed break before joining the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York.

    Also Read: IPL 2024: From Virat Kohli’s Orange Cap To Harshal Patel’s Purple Cap, Who Won What – In Pics

    Professional Turmoil and Criticism

    Hardik Pandya’s leadership tenure with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 was nothing short of tumultuous. The decision to appoint him as the captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, was met with widespread disapproval from fans. Throughout the season, Hardik faced relentless criticism, with jeers greeting him at every match. The weight of expectations and the negative atmosphere affected his performance significantly, contributing to Mumbai Indians’ disappointing finish at the bottom of the standings.

    Mark Boucher, Mumbai Indians’ coach, commented on the situation, stating, “A lot of the stuff that he’s going through is, personally, maybe a little uncalled for. It’ll certainly be a learning curve for Hardik as his growth in leadership. While times are tough now, a couple of things will pass and it’ll make him a tougher leader and it’ll certainly grow him in the role as well.”

    Personal Life Under Scrutiny

    As Hardik grapples with professional setbacks, his personal life has been thrust into the spotlight. Rumours of a split with Natasa Stankovic, his wife, have been rampant. The couple, who have a young son, have not made any public statements regarding their relationship status, leaving fans and media speculating.

    Hardik’s absence from the initial batch of players departing for the T20 World Cup added fuel to the fire. Instead of boarding the plane with his teammates, he opted for a brief vacation abroad, reportedly in London for a training stint before rejoining the national team in New York. This move has only intensified the rumours about his marital status.

    Hardik’s Road to Redemption

    Despite the storm of controversy and criticism, Hardik Pandya remains a crucial figure for India’s T20 World Cup campaign. As the vice-captain, his role is pivotal in the team’s strategy and morale. His brief hiatus is seen as an attempt to rejuvenate himself after a taxing IPL season.

    The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma and including key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant, has already commenced their journey to the USA. The squad’s first practice session in New York will be crucial in setting the tone for their World Cup campaign. Hardik’s timely arrival and state of mind will be critical in determining his and the team’s performance.

    What Lies Ahead for Hardik Pandya?

    The coming weeks will be decisive for Hardik Pandya. On one hand, his performance in the T20 World Cup could silence critics and reaffirm his position as one of India’s top all-rounders. On the other hand, the resolution of his personal issues will be keenly watched by fans and the media alike.

    As Hardik gears up to join his teammates, the focus will be on his ability to compartmentalize his personal struggles and channel his energy into his game. The support of his teammates and the guidance of the coaching staff will play a crucial role in his journey ahead.

  • Rohit Sharma Was Reluctance To Include Hardik Pandya In Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Report | cricket news

    The Indian cricketing community has been abuzz with speculation and whispers of an internal rift, specifically between two of its leading stars: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. This friction surfaced dramatically when the Mumbai Indians (MI) management handed over the captaincy reins to Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024, replacing the seasoned Rohit Sharma. Despite the high expectations, Hardik’s stint as MI captain has been less than stellar, culminating in the team’s early exit from playoff contention.

    Hardik’s Underwhelming Performance

    The statistical narrative of Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2024 season tells a tale of mediocrity. Across 13 matches, Hardik managed to score just 200 runs with a strike rate of 144.93. His bowling figures weren’t much better, securing 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.59. Such lackluster performances have inevitably fueled debates regarding his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

    Selection Controversy: Pressure and Politics

    Reports from Dainik Jagran revealed that neither Rohit Sharma nor the BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar were in favor of including Hardik in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. The crux of their argument was Hardik’s recent form and fitness levels, which did not justify his place in the team. However, it appears that external pressures played a significant role in his selection, with some sources hinting at top-level influences and the absence of a viable replacement as key factors.

    The Press Conference: Agarkar’s Diplomatic Response

    During a press conference following the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar was directly questioned about Hardik’s inclusion despite his recent form. Agarkar responded diplomatically, emphasizing the lack of a like-for-like replacement in the current talent pool. This response, however, did little to quell the murmurs of discontent and speculation about underlying political pressures.

    The Bigger Picture: India’s World Cup Prospects

    India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 will see them facing stiff competition, starting with their high-voltage clash against Pakistan in New York on June 9. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma and with Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, has been under the scanner, with fans and pundits questioning whether internal team dynamics could affect on-field performance.

    Potential Impact on Team Morale

    The internal discord between Rohit and Hardik, if unresolved, could impact team morale. Videos and reports from the IPL season highlighted visible tensions within the MI camp, with players seemingly divided into factions. Such internal strife, if carried into the national team setup, could prove detrimental to India’s World Cup aspirations.

    Rohit’s Possible Retirement

    Adding another layer to this unfolding drama is the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in T20 cricket. Reports suggest that Rohit might retire from the format post the World Cup. If true, this could signify a major transition phase for Indian cricket, with potential leadership changes on the horizon.

    Final Thoughts: Navigating Through Turbulence

    As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, the focus should ideally be on strategic preparations and player form. However, the lingering issues between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cast a shadow over the team’s prospects. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the team can navigate through these internal challenges and deliver on the world stage.

    India’s T20 World Cup Squad

    Main Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

    Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

  • Blame Game In Mumbai Indians Camp After Defeat vs KKR, Captain Hardik Pandya Says THIS | cricket news

    It was a night of reckoning for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they suffered a demoralizing 24-run defeat at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Despite a clinical bowling performance that restricted KKR to 169, MI’s batsmen faltered, succumbing to the relentless pressure exerted by the opposition bowlers. In the post-match presentation, a visibly dejected Hardik Pandya, the MI captain, pinpointed the lack of partnerships as the primary reason for his team’s downfall. “In the batting inning, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets. In T20s, if you don’t form partnerships, it will cost you,” lamented Pandya, acknowledging the harsh reality of their performance.

    Hardik Pandya! pic.twitter.com/pmZ8wmN5tW — RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 3, 2024

    Trailing the Target, Mumbai Batters Crumble

    Chasing a challenging total of 170, Mumbai’s top order once again faltered, leaving the middle order exposed. Suryakumar Yadav’s valiant 56 provided a glimmer of hope, but his dismissal triggered a spectacular collapse, with the remaining batters failing to build any significant partnerships.

    Pandya, known for his candid assessments, admitted that there were many questions that needed to be answered, but he refrained from delving into specifics, perhaps reserving his thoughts for the dressing room debrief. “There are a lot of questions that will take some time to answer, but for now, not much to say,” he stated, reflecting the team’s disappointment.

    Hardik Stays Positive, Looks Ahead

    Despite the setback, Pandya maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging the efforts of his bowling unit in keeping KKR’s total within reach. “The bowlers did a fantastic job, the wicket got a little better after the first innings, the dew came on,” he said, recognizing the challenging conditions his batters faced.

    Embodying the spirit of a true leader, Pandya vowed to keep fighting, reminding himself and his teammates that the highs and lows are an integral part of the game. “You keep fighting, that is what I tell myself, never leave the battlefield, tough days come but good also come here, it’s challenging but challenges make you better,” he asserted, setting the tone for the upcoming matches.

    Mumbai’s Road Ahead: Lucknow Super Giants Await

    The Mumbai Indians now face the daunting task of regrouping and preparing for their next encounter against the formidable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. With their campaign hanging in the balance, Pandya and his men will need to address their batting woes and rediscover their winning formula if they hope to salvage their IPL 2024 aspirations. As the IPL caravan moves on, one thing is certain: the blame game within the Mumbai Indians camp will continue until they find a way to overcome their shortcomings and reclaim their status as one of the most feared teams in the tournament.

  • LSG vs MI Dream11 Team Prediction, Match Preview, Fantasy Cricket Hints: Captain, Probable Playing 11s, Team News; Injury Updates For Today’s Lucknow Super Giants Vs Mumbai Indians In Ekana Stadium, 730PM IST, Lucknow | cricket news

    With just 3 wins from 9 matches in IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians (MI) have a lot to catch up and the time is running out. Pressure will be on Hardik Pandya when his side takes on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2024 clash today. LSG too need a win desperately as they are on fifth spot in the table with 5 wins from 9 matches. A victory today will take them inside the top four. MI need to win all of their remaining matches to stay in contention for the playoffs.

    Good news for LSG is that their ace pacer Mayank Yadav is fit again. Gerald Coetzee missed the last match for MI against DC and it will be interesting to see whether he is fit for today’s match or not. There are no other injury concerns in the two camps.

    As far as Dream11 team for this match is concerned, picking KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah and Quinton de Kock makes all the sense. You can also go for Yash Thakur who has been in very good form. Suryakumar Yadav has not shown his best yet but he is a good pick. There is only one way Surya knows to play and if he clicks, he can win you massive points.

    LSG vs MI: Probable Playing 11s

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (c and wk), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra (12th man)

    Mumbai Indians (MI) Probable XI: Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Mohammad Nabi, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Luke Wood, Nuwan Thushara ( 12th man)

    LSG vs MI Dream11 Prediction

    Captain: KL Rahul

    Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah

    Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul

    Batters: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Nicholas Pooran

    All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis

    Bowlers: Yash Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla

    LSG vs MI: Full Squads

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Full Squad: KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Krunal Pandya, Yudhvir Singh, Prerak Mankad, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, Shivam Mavi, Arshin Kulkarni, M Siddharth, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Mohd.Arshad Khan

    Mumbai Indians (MI) Full Squad: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya. , Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, Nuwan Thushara, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma

  • India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Sanju Samson First-Choice Keeper; Hardik Pandya’s Place Still Not CONFIRMED And More | cricket news

    In about two days, the BCCI selectors led by Ajit Agarkar are going to end the ever-growing anticipation about India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. But here’s a reality check for the IPL-watching India fans: the T20 league performance are going to have zero effect on the selection for the World Cup. The selectors are not keen on trying players who do not have any prior international experience. The squad is pretty much ready and after meeting between the selectors and the Indian management, it will be out soon.

    Also Read | T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand Name 15-Man Squad, Reveal New Jersey For Tournament As Devon Conway Returns

    As per ESPNcricinfo, the only IPL performance that brought the attention of selectors was that of Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav. He has extreme pace and accuracy but because he cannot keep his body fully fit after a couple of games, selectors did not feel it would be a right call to take him in the squad.

    Unlike what the social media believes, neither KL Rahul nor Risahbh Pant are the first-choice keepers. Selectors are likely to go with Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson as the first-choice wicketkeeper/batter for he has the ability to hit the spin as India’s top 3 struggle against spin.

    KL Rahul is in form but he is batting in the top order which is already secured. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav are almost finalized in the top 4.

    Rahul or Pant could be the backup keeping options but for that to happen, India will have to leave out one of Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh or a backup pacer. The selectors will have to make a call on this, whether they want powerhitting backup, keeping backup or pace-bowling backup.

    As far as Hardik Pandya is concerned, he comes with a rare skill which is bowling medium pace and batting in middle order as power-hitter. He is out of form but that is not a huge concern for selectors as much as his bowling fitness is. Pandya is yet to bowl a full quota of overs this IPL and his pace is also down. That is why saying Pandya is already confirmed for World Cup is still far-fetched.

  • India’ T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Who Are The Confirmed Names? Who Are The Contenders Vying For A Spot? , cricket news

    India’s selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is going to have some sleepless nights ahead of the squad announcement for the T20 World Cup 2024. Except for a few names, one cannot for sure still say that this is going to be the squad that will be in USA and West Indies for the mega event. There have been some outstanding performances in IPL 2024 which will make the job of the selectors even more tough. The tournament starts in June and the squad is likely to be announced by the start of May.

    Some of the names who are almost confirmed are veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav as the leading wrist spinner. Arshdeep Singh has had a good IPL so far, so he should too make the cut. But there are still nine spots up for grabs.

    Will Hardik Pandya get picked?

    Hardik Pandya, the batting all-rounder, is not in great form either with bat or ball which is a huge concern. However, if he is bowling and batting without any discomfort, Hardik should make the cut. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are two names who are fighting for one spot in India playing 11 at the World Cup. But selectors may opt to take both of them to WC as backups for each other. Shivam should easily make it as he can bowl too.

    Three-way battle really for keeper’s slot

    The fight is for the wicketkeeper’s slot. There are six contenders in the form of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik. But the real battle mostly should be between Pant, Samson and Rahul. One or maybe two of them could be picked, depending upon what roles they are told to play.

    The bowling department: Tough fight among pacers

    Kuldeep should definitely be the first choice wrist spinner. But India will need another spinner, maybe a wrist or a finger spinner. It could be a battle between Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal who make the cut.

    Then came the pacers. Apart from Bumrah and Arshdeep, India will need 2 more pacers. These two names are very hard to pick. Delhi Capitals’ Khaleel Ahmed, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan, Punjab Kings’ Harshal Patel, and even Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar have become contenders for the spot.

    With no Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj completely out of form, India will have to make a bold choice. Mayank Yadav can be a surprise and bold pick but also a risky one. He has an X-factor which is his extreme pace. But he also lacks experience.

    India’s likely T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Sanju Samson/KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Two more pacers and one spinner

  • Virat Kohli Asks Wankhede Crowd To Stop Booing Hardik Pandya During MI vs RCB IPL 2024 Match, Video Goes Viral – Watch | cricket news

    The electric atmosphere at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium was palpable as the home team Mumbai Indians took on the visiting Royal Challengers Bangalore in a highly anticipated IPL 2024 clash. However, the evening took an unexpected turn when the cheers turned to boos as Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed Mumbai Indians captain, walked out to bat. As the crowd unleashed their disapproval, former Indian captain Virat Kohli, now leading the RCB side, quickly intervened. In a heartwarming gesture, Kohli gestured to the Wankhede faithful, urging them to stop the booing and instead show their support for Pandya. Kohli’s actions, rooted in sportsmanship and respect, quickly won over the crowd, who shifted their energy from jeers to cheers, showering Pandya with a standing ovation.

    Kohli not appreciating the booing of Hardik by Wankhede crowd. Telling them to cheer and reminding them he’s an India player #MIvsRCB _ pic.twitter.com/ok5SYa3AkA — Vighnesh Rane (@Vighrane01) April 11, 2024

    A Display of Cricketing Brilliance

    This touching moment encapsulated the true spirit of cricket, where legends of the game put aside rivalries to uplift the sport and its players. Pandya, visibly buoyed by the change in the crowd’s reception, responded emphatically, smashing a quickfire 21 off just 6 balls to help Mumbai Indians secure a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over RCB. The match itself was a display of cricketing brilliance from both sides. RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, posted a challenging total of 196/8, thanks to a sublime 50-ball 61 from the captain and a blistering 23-ball 53* from the ever-reliable Dinesh Karthik. However, it was Jasprit Bumrah’s masterful 5-wicket haul that kept RCB’s total within reach.

    Kishan and Yadav Lead the Charge

    In the chase, Mumbai Indians showcased their batting prowess, led by the dynamic duo of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. Kishan’s 34-ball 69 and Yadav’s 19-ball 52 laid the foundation for a dominant victory, as Mumbai chased down the target with 27 balls to spare.

    Pandya’s Vindicated Leadership

    The match was a testament to the depth and versatility of the Mumbai Indians squad, with each player stepping up to the occasion. Pandya’s leadership, though initially met with skepticism from the home crowd, was ultimately vindicated by the team’s clinical performance.

    A Highlight of Sportsmanship and Unity

    Amidst the on-field heroics, the heartwarming moment between Kohli and Pandya will be remembered as the highlight of the evening. It demonstrated the power of sportsmanship and the ability of cricket to bring people together, transcending the boundaries of rivalry and allegiance.

  • ‘MI Are Now Divided Into Two teams’: Fan Wars Begin After Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya’s Social Media Victory Posts | cricket news

    After Mumbai Indians (MI) registered an emphatic win over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday afternoon, the current and former captains – Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma – made social media updates. These posts started a social media war between their fans yet again. A couple of days back the team had a day off. MI had released a video of the outing in which Rohit and Hardik can be seen hugging each other. That hug almost ended the rumors of rift in the MI camp. But it was all back after the social media posts by Rohit and Hardik on Sunday.

    Also Read | CSK vs KKR Head-To-Head, Probable Playing 11s, Chennai Pitch Report, Key Battles And Weather Forecast; All You Need To Know

    Batting first, MI posted 234 for 5 in 20 overs with Rohit leading the charge, striking a wonderful 49 off just 27 balls. His innings included 6 fours and 3 sixes respectively. Ishan Kishan also came back among runs with a knock of 42 runs. Tim David’s 21-ball 45 and Romario Shepherd’s quickfire 39 off just 10 balls ensured MI finished with a daunting total on the board.

    Tristan Stubbs played a blinder for DC, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 25 balls but it was not enough to get the side home. Prithvi Shaw struck a 40-ball 66 but others floundered as DC could manage just 205 for 8 on the board at the end of 20 overs. MI won the match by 29 runs and got their first points on the table.

    ‘Up and running’, wrote Hardik on his social media accounts along wiht pictures of the performers in the DC match. One of these photos was of Rohit. The former captain also posted three photos, one of him with Shepherd, one of the kids watching the match and the last one with DC players Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma. There was no pic ‘of’ or ‘with’ Hardik that led to another controversy.

    A section of fans called Rohit ‘insecure’ while Hitman’s fans defended that Hardik did not do much in this game to be included in the pics posted by Rohit. Many fans commented that Rohit’s post shows that the rift still exists in the MI camp.

    Take a look at the reactions below:

    Insecure Rohit Sharma. Hardik Pandya posted a pic of Rohit Sharma too but this insecure Dharavi Doraemon is self obsessed. pic.twitter.com/VzMHrcTVxR

    — Durgesh Tewary (@ChatGPTChr26111) April 7, 2024

    Seems like definitely 2 teams have been banned from the team dressing room. Hardik and Rohit ke chakar mai Mai sky/Ishan’s bond is not like before & even Rohit/Ishan ______ Akash & Nita Ambani you have blood on hands for spoiling this one Family _____#MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/YmxmVppb7W — poojasalve (@ pooja_2012) April 7, 2024

    Thanks to the win, MI have jumped to 8th spot in the table. But there is still a long way to go in this league. MI next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 11 at Wankhede.