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Tag: Mumbai Indians

  • Will Mumbai Indians Retain Rohit Sharma? Harbhajan Singh Comes Up With Blunt Remark Ahead Of IPL Mega Auction | cricket news

    Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma have always worked in tandem when it comes to the IPL. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians have lifted the IPL trophy for five times. Ahead of the upcoming mega auction, Rohit’s future with Mumbai Indians looks uncertain.

    Former India player Harbhajan Singh who spent time with Rohit Sharma in Mumbai Indians’ reckons that if the Hitman steps into the IPL auction, he will attract a massive bidding war.

    “It will be interesting to see whether he will be retained or not. If he goes into the auction pool, it will be fascinating to see which team bids for him. I’m sure many teams must be thinking along those lines,” Harbhajan told TOI.

    “Rohit Sharma, as a leader and a player, is amazing. He’s a top-quality player, top-quality captain and leader. He is a proven match-winner. Even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him. If Rohit enters the auction, he will fetch big bucks. It will be exciting to see the auction unfold,” the former spinner added.

    Former cricketer and current commentator Aakash Chopra also said that Rohit Sharma’s journey with Mumbai Indians might be coming to an end.

    “Will he stay or will he go? It’s a big question. Personally, I feel he will not stay. Whoever is retained will be with the thinking that he will remain with you for three years unless your name is MS Dhoni,” said Aakash Chopra.

    “MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings’ story is very different but Rohit Sharma at MI, I feel he might himself leave or MI might leave him. Anything can happen but I don’t think Rohit is going to be retained here. I don’t have any information but I feel Rohit will probably be released,” he added.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Success Story: Meet Mukesh Ambani’s Close Relative Who Worked With BCCI Long Before Ambani Founded the Mumbai Indians In IPL | Companies News

    New Delhi: As we all know Ambani’s love for cricket is well known, especially with Nita M Ambani as the owner of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. But, you will be surprised to know that even before the Ambanis stepped into the realm of sports and established the Mumbai Indians in 2008, a member of their close family had been making waves in the cricketing world. 

    Yes, You heard it right!, that fascinating figure is none other than Dattaraj Salgaocar, the brother-in-law of India’s wealthiest person, Mukesh Ambani, who has had significant involvement with the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India. Mukesh Ambani has a net worth of Rs 972747 crore. 

    Member Of BCCI And President Of Goa Cricket Association:

    Dattaraj Salgaocar, also known as Raj Salgaocar, holds the position of Chairman at V.M Salgaocar Corporation Private Limited. He is married to Mukesh Ambani’s youngest sister and the youngest daughter of the late Dhirubhai Ambani–Dipti Salgaocar. Apart from running the family business, Salgaocar also has keen interests in sports, wildlife conservation and photography. (Also Read: From Sweets to Seats: Meet Man Whose Father Took A Loan Of Rs 500; Now He Owns India’s Largest Private University)

    During the period from 1994 to 1997, he was the President of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) and a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also established Salgaocar Cricket Club in Goa in 1974 under his family business V.M Salgaocar Corporation Private Limited.

    Virat Kohli Announced As Co-owner of FC Goa:

    Dattaraj Salgaocar’s interest was not limited to cricket only. He was also the co-founder of the Indian Super League’s (ISL) Goan franchise called FC Goa. This club was nicknamed Gaurs in 2014. Moreover, former RCB skipper Virat Kohli was announced as one of the co-owner of FC Goa. In 2016, he stepped down from the FC Goa’s ownership.

    According to reports, Salgaocar is making a comeback by forming a new club that will make its debut in the Goa Pro League next season 2024-25. (Also Read: Success Story: Meet Man Behind India’s Largest Luggage Manufacturing Brand, Linked to Isha Ambani’s Family! ; Check Net Worth)

    Mukesh Ambani’s Close Relative Academic Career:

    Dattaraj Salgaocar has a degree n production engineering from VJTI, Bombay University. Moreover,  he did MBA in Finance from Wharton Business School. Salgaocar was honored as a Wadia scholar during his college years and later as a Tata scholar for his postgraduate studies. 

  • From Coin Flip To DRS Disputes: Are Umpires Mumbai Indians’ 12th Man In IPL 2024? , cricket news

    Mumbai Indians continued their resurgence in IPL 2024 with a hard-fought 9-run victory over the Punjab Kings on Thursday. However, the match was overshadowed by several umpiring decisions that sparked allegations of bias toward the five-time champions. After winning the toss, Punjab Kings opted to field first at the picturesque Mullanpur Cricket Stadium. Despite losing Ishan Kishan early, solid knocks from Suryakumar Yadav (78), Rohit Sharma (36) and Tilak Varma (34*) propelled Mumbai to an imposing 192/7. In reply, PBKS were left reeling at 14/4 before Shashank Singh (41) and Ashutosh Sharma (61) launched a valiant fightback. But ultimately, their 183/9 fell just short as Jasprit Bumrah (3/21) and the MI bowling attack held their nerve.

    I got the video downloaded before pic.twitter.com/ToZBwd2Siw

    — MODI OUT, NO BJP (@footyxg) April 18, 2024

    _ Toss Update _

    Punjab Kings win the toss and elect to bowl against Mumbai Indians.

    Follow the Match __ https://t.co/m7TQkWeGn7#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/soKlffZDxX — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024

    Umpiring Controversies Galore

    While MI showed champions’ poise, the match was marred by several umpiring calls that favored the visitors and sparked furious debates on social media.

    Coin Toss Controversy Reignited

    Weeks after the coin toss controversy in their match against RCB, cameras zoomed in to capture the coin landing during the toss – likely to quell any suspicions after claims of impropriety last time.

    Dubious Wide Calls

    A seemingly legitimate wide call against Arshdeep Singh in the 15th over was overturned after MI reviewed, with the third umpire deeming it a legal delivery despite it passing well wide of Tim David’s bat. However, it was the very next delivery that really set tongues wagging. Suryakumar hammered the ball through covers, only for Nitin Menon to signal a wide much to PBKS’s disbelief – with replays suggesting the ball was well within David’s reach.

    Caught Behind Controversy

    The Pakistan-born duo of Shashank and Ashutosh had revived PBKS’s hopes with a brilliant 89-run stand. But controversy struck when Menon ruled Ashutosh out caught behind in the 17th over despite him appearing to miss the ball. Though PBKS reviewed, Menon stuck to his call with the hotspot appearing inconclusive, leading to furious protests from the PBKS camp citing bias.

    Social Media Erupts

    Fans were split on the impartiality of the umpiring, with #UmpiresBias and #MIChampions trending on Twitter as allegations of favoring the Mumbai franchise surfaced. “Once again, another shameful display of umpiring in favor of MI. From dodgy wides to dubious caught behinds – is the IPL scripted for them to win?” fumed one fan. Others cited past instances like the infamous 2019 no-ball controversy and Faizu Nazar’s controversial wide call in the 2008 IPL final as proof of long-standing bias. However, MI supporters countered that umpiring errors were simply part of the game, adding: “Bad umpiring is lapped up when it’s against MI but conveniently ignored when they benefit. #Halademocracy.” As umpiring standards continue being scrutinized, the controversy provided an unsavory backdrop to a classic IPL encounter – once again shining an uncomfortable spotlight on the game’s officiating.

  • Matheesha Pathirana Injury Update: CSK Bowler To Miss MI Clash In IPL 2024: Here’s What Stephen Fleming Says | cricket news

    Ahead of the IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), coach Stephen Fleming hinted at pacer Matheesha Pathirana’s potential absence due to a minor injury. Both teams are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown at Wankhede Stadium. CSK, currently third with three wins and two losses, looks to maintain momentum after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Meanwhile, MI, positioned seventh, aims to continue their recent victories, notably over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In their history of 36 encounters, CSK has won 16 times, while MI has claimed victory in 20 matches.

    “It (Pathirana’s niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close. We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form,” Fleming told reporters ahead of the game.

    Fleming praised CSK’s new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, likening him to Dhoni in demeanor. He dismissed critiques of Gaikwad’s strike rate, emphasizing his adaptability to match conditions. Gaikwad’s performance in IPL 2024 reflects consistency, with 155 runs in five matches at an average of 38.75 and a strike rate of 117.42.

    “There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets. I know the last captain was pretty cool. But this guy is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through.”

    “He is such an impressive young man around his game and what he needs to do. He has been, I think, unfairly put into a bracket where he has been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats. We know that it is a bit of a Bollywood movie, sometimes getting these things up onto the screen. But he is fine. He is playing conditions well. The last game (CSK vs KKR) was a great example of how a leader plays, and there is class as well. I have absolutely no doubt about Ruturaj,” Fleming added.

    Acknowledging the evolving batting prowess in IPL, Fleming stressed the need for measures to balance the game in favor of bowlers. He suggested reevaluating rules like the two-bouncer limit. Despite the intense rivalry between CSK and MI, both teams with five IPL titles each, Fleming highlighted the mutual respect and competitive spirit characterizing their encounters. He emphasized enjoying the occasion while maintaining focus and managing emotions.

  • ‘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.

  • IPL 2024: Jasprit Bumrah’s Sensational Yorker Leaves Prithvi Shaw Clueless During MI vs DC Match – WATCH | cricket news

    In Sunday’s IPL 2024 clash between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased his mastery of the toe-crushing yorkers, a saga of dominance over batsmen. Tasked with defending a daunting target of 235, Mumbai’s ace pacer, Bumrah, unleashed his lethal deliveries against Delhi’s lineup.

    Prithvi Shaw, displaying his flair in front of the opposition crowd, seemed in fine touch, notching up 65 runs off 40 deliveries, embellished with eight boundaries and three maximums. However, Bumrah’s entry into the attack in the 12th over proved pivotal. (WATCH: 4,6,6,6,4,6; Romario Shepherd Runs Havoc On Anrich Nortje During MI vs DC IPL 2024 Match)

    In only his second over of the match, Bumrah unleashed a ferocious toe-crusher that left Shaw befuddled. Despite his best efforts, Shaw failed to bring his bat down in time, resulting in Bumrah dismantling his leg-stump with surgical precision, much to the delight of Mumbai Indians’ skipper, Hardik Pandya.

    Watch video here…

    Just Bumrah doing Bumrah things

    Watch the match LIVE on @starsportsindia and @JioCinema #TATAIPL | #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/rO1Hnqd3Od IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2024

    Hardik Pandya claimed his first win as the skipper of the Mumbai Indians with a 29-run win in a high-scoring fest against the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. MI never suffered a defeat in the IPL while defending a target of more than 200 and the final over of the first inning, which saw Romario Shepherd slam 32 runs in Anrich Nortje’s over, proved to be the difference.

    History beckoned in Mumbai as Rishabh Pant-led DC stepped on the crease to chase down the highest total in Wankhede Stadium. DC had a completely different powerplay than MI. Romario Shepherd, dismissing David Warner, forced the visitors back against the wall.

    Prithvi Shaw continued to find the boundary line on the other end with Abishek Porel to end the powerplay with a score of 46/1. In the following overs, Shaw and Porel produced some delightful strokes to pull DC back into the record-breaking chase.

    DC lost Shaw for 66 yet by the end of the 14th over, the visitors were ahead of MI by seven runs with two more wickets at the same stage. Porel’s dismissal added to DC’s woes as they continued to hunt for a big over. Tristan Stubbs with his effortless strokes, tried to release the pressure off DC. He completed his fifty in a mere 19 deliveries. The 23-year-old Proteas batter shifted through gears as the required rate mounted up. He found no support at the other end as he tried to wage a lone war. Another quick-paced knock was on the cards for skipper Pant, however, an unusual shot in Gerald Coetzee’s over ensured his trip to dugout back with a score of 1.

    Stubbs struck three sixes in the 19th over to raise hopes of an unprecedented victory. Coetzee, with composure, sealed off a 29-run win and MI’s first of the season.

    Earlier in the innings, after being put to bat, the opening pair adopted a cautious approach in the first couple of balls. Ishan Kishan opened his arms as he punched the ball towards the square point to score the first boundary of the match in the first over.

    Rohit made Ishant Sharma his target in the next over as he struck back-to-back fours. It marked the beginning of a flurry of boundaries from Rohit’s bat. He smoked the ball into the stand on successive deliveries in Jhye Richardson’s over, ensuring that runs kept coming in at a healthy rate.

    MI ended the powerplay on a high note as the opening pair managed to put 75 runs on the board. Axar Patel was introduced into the attack and made an instant impact by dismissing Rohit for 49. Anrich Nortje capitalized on the opportunity and spoiled Suryakumar Yadav’s much-awaited return by sending him back for a two-ball duck.

    MI skipper Hardik Pandya avoided an early scare as he tried to pick up a single but was sent back to the striker’s end. He was well short but the fielder’s throw missed the stumps. Kishan tried to keep MI’s healthy run rate intact as he tonked a six in Nortje’s over. He showed his class again with a six over mid-wicket.

    By taking a one-handed stunner, it was the DC spinner who had the last laugh. Kishan had a look of disbelief while making his way to the dressing room.

    DC had the upper hand when Khaleel Ahmed removed Tilak Varma (6) before he could cause any significant damage. Hardik and Tim David were wary in the next couple of overs before launching an onslaught on DC in the final four overs.

    The power-hitting spectacle began with David picking up a four and then tonking the ball for a six. Hardik (39) tried to replicate David’s fireworks but only found Fraser-McGurk. David set the tone of the final over with a six and a four in the 19th over. Romario Shepherd went berserk in the final over as he smashed a boundary on each delivery of the final over.

    After finding the fence on the first delivery, Shepherd showed his ruthless power by hitting three consecutive sixes off the first three deliveries, leaving Nortje clueless. Another four and a six to end the innings powered MI to 234/5. Brief Score: Mumbai Indians 234/5 (Rohit Sharma 49, Tim David 45*; Axar Patel 2-35) vs Delhi Capitals 205/8 (Tristan Stubbs 71*, Prithvi Shaw 66; Gerald Coetzee 4-34).

  • IPL 2024: ‘Not His Fault That He’s Appointed Captain,’ Sourav Ganguly Backs MI Skipper Hardik Pandya

    Ganguly said that people need to understand the situation regarding the captaincy transition from Rohit to Pandya.

  • IPL 2024: MI Captain Hardik Pandya Sits Alone In Dug Out After Crushing Defeat Against RR | cricket news

    Hardik Pandya faces ongoing challenges in the Indian Premier League, with criticism mounting following Mumbai Indians’ loss to Rajasthan Royals. Despite his efforts, the defeat only added to his woes, evident in his solitary moments in the MI dugout post-match. It’s disheartening to witness Hardik’s struggle amid the team’s departure from the stadium, as he grapples with the weight of fan disapproval.

    After losing three consecutive matches at the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya said that they will continue fighting in the T20 tournament. (IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya Breaks Silence On MI’s Consecutive Losses Amid Constant Booing By Mumbai Crowd)

    In MI’s previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Pandya scored the highest for Mumbai with 34 off 21 deliveries, while Tilak Varma played a crucial knock of 32 runs in 29 balls, taking MI to 125/9 after Rajasthan bowlers absolutely bossed Mumbai batters. in their homecoming match on Monday.

    Pandya took to his official (EXPLAINED: Why Riyan Parag Was Given Orange Cap Over Virat Kohli Despite Equal Runs?)

    “If there’s one thing you should know about this team, we never give up. We’ll keep fighting, we’ll keep going,” Pandya wrote on X.

    Summarizing the match, after winning the toss, RR opted to bowl first. Trent Boult (3/22) destroyed the MI top-order in the powerplay, reducing them to 20/4. A 56-run partnership between skipper Hardik Pandya (34 in 21 balls, with six fours) and Tilak Varma (32 in 29 balls, with two sixes) brought some order into the innings briefly before MI experienced a collapse again to end at 125/ 9 in 20 overs.

    Yuzvendra Chahal (3/11) and Nandre Burger (2/32) bowled well for RR and rocked the MI batting line-up with regular wickets, never giving them a chance to breathe.

    In the run chase, RR lost openers Jos Buttler (13), Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) while skipper Sanju Samson could make only 12 in 10 balls. Reduced to 48/3, they were in a tricky situation. But Riyan Parag once again performed a brilliant rescue act, scoring 54* in 39 balls, with five fours and three sixes to take his side to a six-wicket win with 27 balls left. Akash Madhwal (3/20) was the pick of the bowlers for MI.

    Following the win, the Rajasthan-based franchise stand at the top place of the standings with six points at a net run rate of +1.249. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya’s side are at the bottom of the table and are yet to score points.