In a video shared on MI’s social media platform, Hardik spurred his team on by stating that the “toughest soldiers face the toughest challenges”. Despite the defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he emphasized the positives.
“We are the toughest team in the competition, anyone who could have come close to where we reached as a batting group or just overall are us – let’s make sure we will help each other; worst or good, we will be together,” Hardik said.
Joining Hardik Pandya in the Mumbai Indians’ dressing room Sachin Tendulkar commented that despite conceding 277 runs, Mumbai’s batting performance was commendable. “Even though we gave away 277 runs, halfway through the game, it was still wide open. The target was within reach, indicating our strong batting display. Let’s stay united through tough moments and overcome challenges as a team,” Tendulkar added.
Coming back to the record-breaking Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match, SRH recorded a historic total of 277 for three, the highest in IPL history. Mumbai Indians managed to stay competitive, finishing at 246 for five. This game marked the first time 500 runs were scored, including a record 38 sixes.
Hardik Pandya’s wife Natasa Stankovic came under heavy trolling on social media after Mumbai Indians’ second loss.
Despite the loss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya admired the opposition batters, acknowledging his team’s spirited batting performance. With the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, all Mumbai bowlers leaked more than 10 runs per over.
Nataša Stanković is a dancer, model, and actress of Serbian origin. She entered the Bollywood film industry with her debut in the political drama “Satyagraha” and later gained attention for her participation in reality television shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye. She tied the knot with cricketer Hardik Pandya during the COVID-19 lockdown and last year on renewed their wedding vows in a ceremony held in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Hardik Pandya’s captaincy under scrutiny
Criticism has come in from various quarters towards Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to limit Jasprit Bumrah to just one over until the 13th over of the IPL 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday night. This decision came under scrutiny as the Hyderabad team surged to 277/3, marking the highest total in IPL history.
Despite bowling one over in the Power-play, Bumrah wasn’t reintroduced until the 13th over. By then, Sunrisers had already accumulated a formidable 173-3, placing them in a favorable position to escalate their run rate. Bumrah completed his four-over spell conceding 36 runs, emerging as the most economical bowler for MI with an economy rate of 9 runs per over.