Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya who chipped in with both bat and ball to help his side topple Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium said that it feels great to contribute to team’s success.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians managed to post 170 runs at the end of 20 overs. Chennai Super Kings dominated the early part of the game picking early wickets. Deepak Chahar provided the early breakthrough dismissing Quinton de Kock while Ravindra Jadeja and Imran Tahir dismissed Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh in quick succession to have them at 50 for three. But a timely partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Krunal Pandya took them over the 100-run mark. Although Mumbai Indians lost two of their set batsmen back to back, cameos from Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard got them to 170 runs at the halfway stage.
Meanwhile, the bowlers complemented the good work done the batters. Debutant Jason Behrendorff started the proceedings before Lasith Malinga joined the party to remove both the openers. Kedar Jadhav looked in great touch hitting the gaps well, but Hardik Pandya chipped in two wickets to throw Chennai Super Kings out the game. Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga finished off the game to register their second victory by 37 runs.
Feels great to contribute: Pandya
With 25 runs from eight deliveries with the bat and then chipping in with two crucial wickets, Hardik Pandya went away with the man-of-the-match award. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the all-rounder noted that it feels good help his side win. He also added that he is hitting the ball well and would love to play more competitive matches.
“It feels really good to help the team win and to contribute to it. It’s been seven months since I played much competitive cricket. Have batted and batted and batted in the nets. I am someone who loves to have game time and I am hitting them really well at the moment,” Pandya said.
Goal is to win the World Cup for India
Furthermore, Hardik Pandya added that the last few months were not easy and dedicated the award to all who stood by him. Talking about his goal, Pandya said that he wants to win the World Cup for India.
“Yes, the injury happened and then the controversy too. These seven months weren’t easy and I wasn’t sure of what to do. This award is special and I dedicate it to all those who stood by me during those tough times. My goal is to keep performing and hopefully, help India win the World Cup,” he concluded.
