Injured Hardik Pandya not fully fit to bowl? Mumbai Indians captain provides huge update

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya opened up about the win his team registered over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He admitted that they came into the game with clear minds and credited Romario Shepherd for the win. The all-rounder also provided an update about his bowling as well.

Mumbai Indians are finally off the mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They outclassed Delhi Capitals by 29 runs to win their first match of the season after facing three back-to-back losses against Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.

Mumbai Indians looked a completely different team from what they were in the last three games. They came out with a positive mindset and posted a big total of 234 runs on the board. It all started with Rohit Sharma (49) and Ishan Kishan (42) adding 80 runs partnership.

After that skipper Hardik Pandya (39) and Tim David (45*) played valiant hands in the middle. But Romario Shepherd stole the limelight with his brutal cameo in the end. He scored unbeaten 39 runs out of which, he scored 32 runs in the last over.

With the ball, Mumbai Indians started pretty well removing David Warner (10). They came under a bit of pressure when Prithvi Shaw (66) and Abishek Porel (41) stitched an 88-run partnership. But after that, Gerald Coetzee and Jasprit Bumrah ensured that they closed the game and won by 29 runs.

Hardik Pandya while talking about the win stated that the XI against Delhi Capitals will now be their fixed team although they will be making some tactical changes. He also spoke about the dressing room atmosphere and praised his team for the batting effort. Speaking to broadcasters, he explained:

"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 needed just one win. 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."

I'll be bowling at the right time - Hardik Pandya

Since the last two games Hardik Pandya hasn't had a bowl and it had made many speculate about if the all-rounder is injured. The Mumbai Indians skipper claimed that he is fully fit and will be bowling at the right time. He elaborated:

"That was some hitting na (On Romario's heroics). He won us the game. The difference was Romario v Delhi Capitals. I like him. Always has a smile on his face, and doesn't run away. (On why Hardik didn't bowl) 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."

Mumbai Indians will be next seen in action when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next game on 11th April.