Hardik Pandya was finally a happy man after Mumbai Indians secured their first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign, beating Delhi Capitals by 29 runs. Hardik, despite the team’s three consecutive defeats, found it tough to remain away from the headlines. As doubts started to creep into the minds of players and fans, after a string of defeats, Hardik admitted that a lot of minds had to be ‘cleared’ before the match against Delhi. The result was MI putting 2 points on the league standings for the first time in this campaign.
In the post-match presentation ceremony, Hardik had no qualms in admitting that a lot of hard work had to be put in behind the curtains in the dressing room to get MI to experience their maiden win of the campaign.
“It was a lot of hard work,” Hardik said after the match. “We cleared a lot of minds, made sure our plans are right, the intent is right, and today was one of the days where everything clicked. There has been a lot of love and care going around. Everyone knows we lost three games, but the belief and attitude of backing each other was there, which has been fantastic. We needed just one win, and today is just the start.”
It was Romario Shepherd whose late blitz took MI to 234/5 against Delhi, with the last over itself producing 32 runs for the home franchise.
After the game, the West Indian all-rounder said: “My hard work has paid off. I have put in a lot of hard work in the nets. I think you just have to keep a clear mind (when batting at the end). He (Tim David) said no you stay there (strike) and you hit. I was in a good position to capitalise on that ball. I tried to keep it 50-50 because I don’t want to lean on one side, so 50-50 on batting and bowling. (On where the power comes from) Eating a lot of food I guess, some of it Indian as well (smiles).”
MI are now 8th in the points table, with 1 win in 4 games.