NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has voiced his support for batter Tilak Varma's crucial decision after the narrow six-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign opener.
Pandya's comments shed light on the strategic choices made by the team, reflecting on the dynamics that unfolded in the intense encounter.
"Obviously we backed ourselves to chase those runs but it was one of those days when we see the score quite less compared to what it could have been in five overs, I think we lost a little bit of momentum there," remarked Pandya, addressing the team's approach towards the chase.
He emphasized the significance of maintaining momentum throughout the innings, hinting at a critical juncture where the team may have faltered.
Pandya's acknowledgment of Tilak's decision not to take a single against Rashid Khan in the crucial 17th over showcased support for his teammate's judgment.
1/9:GT edge MI in IPL thriller to spoil Hardik's homecoming
AFP
2/9:Gujarat Titans beat Mumbai Indians
Gujarat Titans edged out Mumbai Indians by six runs in an IPL thriller as Hardik Pandya suffered a defeat as Mumbai captain after he controversially replaced Rohit Sharma.AP
3/9:Rohit Sharma & Dewald Brevis shine
Rohit (43) and Dewald Brevis (46) shone in MI's chase of their 169 target with a third-wicket stand of 77 but Gujarat's bowlers hit back to keep the opposition down 162/9 in Ahmedabad.ANI
4/9:Shubman Gill's victory
It was celebration at the world's biggest cricket stadium for new home team captain Shubman Gill who spoiled Pandya's homecoming.AFP
5/9:Stadium atmosphere
Close to 90,000 fans turned up at the 132,000 capacity arena.IANS
6/9:Bowlers shine for Gujarat
Mohit Sharma took down Brevis and then Tim David in successive overs before fellow quick Spencer Johnson struck twice in the 19th over to dent the chase further.AFP
7/9:Hardik Pandya's efforts in vain
Hardik Pandya attempted to go for the 19 runs needed in the last over with a six and a four off Umesh Yadav before being caught out on the third.AP
8/9:Bumrah's impressive bowling
Jasprit Bumrah came in first change to bowled Wriddhiman Saha with a trademark toe-crushing yorker and finished with figures of 3-14 in four overs to keep down Gujarat to 168/6.PTI
9/9:Gerald Coetzee's impact
Bumrah was ably supported by IPL debutant and South African quick Gerald Coetzee, who took two wickets for Mumbai.AFP"I think Tilak felt that that was a better idea at that point of time, I completely backed him, not an issue, 13 games to go," Pandya affirmed, underlining the unity and confidence within the MI camp despite the setback in the opening fixture.
Pandya, who was making a homecoming to his old home ground, also acknowledged the lively atmosphere in the stadium.
"It feels good to be back because this is one stadium where you can enjoy and feel the atmosphere quite lively and obviously the crowd was full and they got a good game as well," he said after the match.
With 13 games remaining in the tournament, MI remain determined to bounce back stronger, drawing inspiration from the unity and resilience demonstrated in the face of adversity.
(With inputs from ANI)
