“A Relief to Watch Them Bat”: Hardik Pandya Hails Rohit-Suryakumar Duo After MI’s Crushing Win Over CSK
"A Relief to Watch Them Bat": Hardik Pandya Hails Rohit-Suryakumar Duo After MI's Crushing Win Over CSK
MI skipper Hardik Pandya praises the match-winning partnership between Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, as Mumbai Indians storm to a nine-wicket victory over CSK and move up to sixth in IPL 2025 standings.
📍 Mumbai | April 21, 2025
Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya couldn’t hide his admiration as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav lit up Wankhede Stadium with a dominant batting display that led to a thumping nine-wicket win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday night.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik praised the duo for taking the pressure off the dressing room.
“The way Rohit and Suryakumar bat, it is a relief from outside. You don’t have to worry about Rohit’s form — when he comes good, we know the opposition will be out of the game,” he said.
💬 Captain’s Take – Playing Simple, Smart Cricket
Hardik credited MI’s strategy of sticking to the basics and executing plans with clarity. While admitting that the pacers were a bit expensive, he dismissed concerns over CSK’s total.
“It was a high-scoring game, but 175-180 was below par. We’re playing simple cricket and sticking to our plans.”
🏏 Match Recap: MI vs CSK – IPL 2025 Match 38
🔸 First Innings – CSK: 176/5 (20 overs)
Teen debutant Ayush Mhatre made an instant impact with a quick 32 off 15 balls, smashing four fours and two sixes.
Shivam Dube continued his strong form with a fluent 50 off 32 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja anchored the finish with an unbeaten 53 off 35.
Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of MI’s bowlers with 2/25.
🔹 Second Innings – MI: 177/1 in 15.4 overs
Rohit Sharma rolled back the years with a vintage knock of 76 off 45 balls*, including four boundaries and six sixes.
Suryakumar Yadav, in red-hot touch, blazed away to 68 off just 30 balls*, lacing his innings with six fours and five sixes.
Their unbeaten 114-run stand off just 52 balls dismantled CSK’s bowling attack and completed the chase with 26 balls to spare.
