“I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call
Mumbai Indians’ long wait to start their IPL season on a winning note will continue just a little further, as they succumbed to a six-run defeat against Gujarat Titans. The last time the five-time champions won their IPL opener was back in 2012, when they defeated Chennai Super Kings. From there on, every passing year has thrown up a similar story in one way or the other.
Mumbai Indians seemed in cruise control during the run-chase, needing just 43 runs off the final five overs with seven wickets in hand. The collapse started with Dewald Brevis’ wicket in the 16th over. Tilak Varma has come under some scrutiny, as he refused to take a single off the third ball of Rashid Khan’s final over with Tim David on the other end.
Mumbai Indians’ new skipper Hardik Pandya certainly did not have a good welcome back to his former franchises’ home ground on Sunday. The Indian all-rounder defended the southpaw for refusing a single, and stated that there would be some rationale behind his thought process.
“I think Tilak felt that that was a better idea at that point of time, I completely back him, not an issue, 13 games to go,” Hardik on Tilak’s decision in the post-match press conference.
“It feels good to be back” : Hardik Pandya on returning to Ahmedabad
Hardik Pandya was the main man in focus during Sunday’s clash between Mumbai and Gujarat. The stylish all-rounder made his transfer from Gujarat to Mumbai a couple of months ago, replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm. He led the Titans to their first IPL title in their inaugural edition, followed by a runners-up finish last year.
Hardik Pandya stated that it was great to be back in Ahmedabad, and praised the fans for turning out in big numbers once again. “Obviously we backed ourselves to chase those 42 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 little bit of momentum there. 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 added.
Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Both teams are coming on the back of losses in their opening matches, with the Sunrisers almost pulling off a last-gasp miracle against Kolkata Knight Riders.
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