Hardik Pandya and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar stepped up to lift the spirits of Mumbai Indians’ dressing room after their second straight loss in the IPL 2024 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched victory by 31 runs in a record-breaking match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with a whopping 528 runs scored and 38 sixes hit.

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Despite a tough night for Mumbai’s bowlers, Pandya continued to back his team, even as they faced a relentless onslaught. Sunrisers set a new IPL record with a colossal 277-run total, leaving Mumbai Indians with a daunting chase. Despite valiant efforts from players like Tilak Varma, Rohit Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, Mumbai fell short.

Hardik inspires team despite defeat

Hardik said, “The toughest soldiers get the toughest test and we are the toughest team in the competition. Anyone who could have come even close to where we reached as a batting group are us.” 

“Something that I am really proud of is our bowlers. Even when the day was tough, I didn’t see anyone running away. Everyone wanted the ball in their hands, I think that’s a good sight.” 

“Let’s make sure we help each other throughout, whatever happens, worst, bad or good, we will manage it together. And we will be together.”

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The pressure was on Mumbai Indians from the start, especially with the unexpected change in captaincy. With concerns rising among fans, Pandya’s leadership and motivational speech aimed to reassure the team and keep spirits high.

Next up for Mumbai Indians is a clash against Rajasthan Royals in their first home game of the IPL 2024 season on April 1.