Mumbai Indians (MI) registered their first victory under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya as they defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by 29 runs in Match 20 of the IPL 2024 season at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 7).
Pandya was over the moon after tasting his first victory as MI skipper. He also made it clear that they will not much tinker with the squad going forward as team combination plays an important role.
"I would like to have this feeling (of being a winning captain more often than not). Lot of hard work, had to clear our minds, and everything clicked. We will be making some tactical changes here and there but more often than not this will be our XII. Settling of the team is important," Hardik said at the post-match presentation.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, Hardik Pandya completed a high-profile trade from Gujarat Titans (GT) to MI. Soon after the trade, the all-rounder was appointed captain by the team management. He is succeeding Rohit Sharma, who led MI to five IPL titles in his 11-year stint as skipper.
However, Hardik’s stint didn’t get off to the best of starts. Under his leadership, the five-time champions lost their first three games in the ongoing IPL.
Despite facing three back-to-back defeats, Pandya said the team always believed in their ability to make a comeback.
"There was a lot of love and care going around, everyone knows we lost three games but the belief and backing was there, everyone believes we needed just one win and today was the start. I mean amazing, to start with 77 after six is always wonderful. The way everyone was batting, we needed rhythm to bat, the way everyone is chipping in with the opportunity coming in was fantastic," he remarked.
Coming to the match, Mumbai Indians racked up a mammoth 234/5 on the board. While the opening duo of Rohit Sharma (49 off 27) and Ishan Kishan (42 off 23) set the tone for a big total, Tim David (45* off 21) and Romario Shepherd (39* off 10) demolished the DC bowling attack in the death overs.
The MI captain had special praise reserved for Shepherd, who smashed 32 runs in the final over and had 3 boundaries and 4 sixes in his whirlwind knock.
"That was some hitting from Romario, he won us the game. The difference was his innings. I like him, he always has a smile of his face, doesn't run away, very proud of the way he played, proud of the team. All good, will be bowling at the right time. Had it covered, so didn't need to roll my arm over," Pandya said.
In reply, Delhi Capitals finished on 205/8 despite Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 25-ball 71 and Prithvi Shaw’s 40-ball 66. They slipped to the bottom of the 10-team points table after this defeat.
