Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians finally tasted victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, beating Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday. While Hardik couldn't do much as a batter in the match, he was elated to see 2 points against the team's name in the points table as the MI batting unit upped their game against the struggling DC. After the game, Hardik exchanged a big hug with pacer Gerald Coetzee, wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan, and his former captain Rohit Sharma. The moment Rohit and Hardik hugged to celebrate the team's win, plenty of hearts melted on social media.
A lot has been said and written about the equation between Rohit and Hardik, ever since the latter took over the reins at MI. On Sunday, the moment finally came when the duo could celebrate together. The moment was undoubtedly an intriguing one for the fans. Here's the video:
In the match, Hardik didn't bowl, unlike the previous three games. A few eyebrows were raised to see Hardik without the ball which raised concerns over his fitness. Hardik cleared the air of rumour around him not taking the ball in the post-match presentation.
"I am fine. I'll be bowling at the right time, we had everything covered today so did not have to roll my arms over," Hardik said in the post-match presentation.
MI's first win of the season was built on a strong powerplay and Romario Shepherd's blitz in the final over.
Hardik heaped praise on the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan who brought 79 runs in the powerplay and Shepherd who struck 32 runs off Anrich Nortje in the final over.
"It was an amazing start today, always wonderful to get 70 odd in 6 overs. The way everyone chipped in when the opportunity was coming was good to see. That was some hitting na (On Romario's heroics). He won us the game. Difference was Romario v Delhi Capitals. I like him. Always has a smile on his face, doesn't run away," Hardik added.
MI suffered three consecutive defeats in the ongoing season. Hardik opened up about the mindset of the team and the tactical changes that they made to bag their first win of the season.
"It was a lot of hard work. We had to clear our minds and make sure that we believed. We will be making tactical changes here and there but this will be our 12 and settling our team now is important. There's a lot of love and care going around in the changeroom. Belief and backing each other is the attitude out there. Everyone believed we need just one win," Hardik said.
With ANI inputs