Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the major reason behind his team's win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday. With the bat, he completely changed the momentum of the game by scoring an 8-ball 25 and then he knocked CSK out of the game by picking skipper MS Dhoni's wicket.

After being adjudged as Man of the Match, Hardik expressed his happiness as his performance was one of the major reasons MI defeated the table toppers.

"It feels really good to help the team win and to contribute to it. It's been seven months since I played much competitive cricket. Have batted and batted and batted in the nets. Touch wood, it's helping me," Hardik said on Wednesday.

He added: "I am someone who loves to have game time and I am hitting them really well at the moment. Yes, the injury happened and then the controversy too. These seven months weren't easy and I wasn't sure of what to do."

Hardik dedicated the award to everyone who supported him in his bad phase. Talking about his aim, he said winning the World Cup for team India is his goal.

"This award is special and I dedicate it to all those who stood by me during those tough times. My goal is to keep performing and hopefully, help India win the World Cup."

MI senior cricketer Kieron Pollard lauded Hardik's game. Pollard was his batting partner in the last overs of their innings and witnessed the madness from close.

"He (Hardik) is covering for me. He is a fantastic player. He has a clear mind and has been hitting the ball very well."

(With India Today Inputs)