NEW DELHI: Newly-appointed Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya made no bones about the loss against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2024 opener, stating that lack of preparation cost them the game.
Hardik, who took over as MI captain in place of seasoned India skipper Rohit Sharma, didn't have a good start to his captaincy debut for Mumbai, who lost to Gujarat by 6 runs.
Opting to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their second game, Hardik said that they still have 13 games in hand and need to do the right things.
"We are going to bowl first. Looks like a good track, we were solid in the last game. Didn't plan properly, that cost us the game. 13 games to go, we need to keep doing the right things. We are positive and looking forward to the challenge," Hardik said after winning the toss.
MI made one change to their playing XI as they brought in young South African pacer Kwena Maphaka in place of Englishman Luke Wood.
"Just trying to spend time with all the players. Getting to know them better. One change, Luke misses out, Maphaka comes in," Hardik added.
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SRH skipper Pat Cummins, who looked quite optimistic despite losing the toss, said that the crowd and conditions would help the team in the match.
"Looks like a good wicket. Not too upset. It's a tough tournament, the crowd and conditions will help. A couple of changes. Head comes in for Jansen. Natarajan has a niggle, Unadkat comes in. We got a great squad, the 11 or 12 players playing tonight got to give their everything," Cummins said at the toss.
