"Finally able to do it": Hardik Pandya happy after MI won their opening game in IPL after 14 years

Mumbai Indians (MI) got an enthralling victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium after a high-scoring encounter. Hardik Pandya's side chased down the target of 221 runs successfully and won the match by 6 wickets and 5 balls to spare. It was a crucial victory for the Mumbai Indians, as they had a reputation for losing the opening match of their campaign since 2012.

After the match, MI skipper Hardik Pandya joined the post-match presentation ceremony, and for obvious reasons, he looked happy and confident. Pandya himself was on the crease when his team hit the winning runs. But it was Shardul Thakur who shifted the momentum of the match under immense pressure.

KKR registered a handsome total on the board

Went to bat first, KKR registered 220 runs in exchange for 4 wickets in 20 overs. They could have scored more than that, but experienced seam bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur put a speed breaker in front of the opposing team batters. For the Knight Riders, their skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored the highest, 67 runs off 40 balls, and their emerging keeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi smashed 51 in 29 balls.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton were in stunning form against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

MI chased down the stiff target smoothly because of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. The opening pair set up the foundation for the team by securing 148 runs before losing their first batter. While Ryan Rickelton scored 81 off 43, Rohit Sharma got 78 off 38. It was the sixth-highest successful run chase in IPL.

Shardul Thakur was named Player of the Match for his effective bowling spells. The pacer took the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Finn Allen, and Cameron Green in his 4-over spell, in exchange for 39 runs.

Highest successful IPL run-chases
262 - PBKS vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
246 - SRH vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025
228 - RCB vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
224 - RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020
224 - RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
221 - MI vs KKR, Wankhede, 2026*

MI captain Hardik Pandya specially mentioned Shardul Thakur in his media briefing.

Hardik Pandya, in his statement, said it was hard for them to select Ryan Rickelton as the opening partner for Rohit Sharma, as they also have another prolific opener in Quinton de Kock. The skipper also claimed that he is happy to see Shardul Thakur playing in the Mumbai Indian jersey after switching multiple franchises in the past.

Hardik Pandya said, "It's been a long wait. 13 years is a long time. Very glad, the whole team is very glad that we were finally able to do it. We have seen what this wicket plays like. We knew the wicket was good. 220 is always gettable. Ro and Rickeleon were brilliant."

"To see that, very nice. Ryan has done really well for this franchise. Quinny (Quinton de Kock) understands that. (On Rohit) It's a treat. (On Shardul Thakur) I said to him enough hopping of franchises. He has a big heart, really happy for him," Hardik Pandya said after the match.

Read More: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After MI vs KKR Match No.2