“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.

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💬 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.”

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🏏 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.

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📈 Points Table Update

• Mumbai Indians (MI): 6th place | 4 wins | 4 losses | 8 points
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK): 10th place | 2 wins | 6 losses | 4 points

MI have now re-entered the playoff conversation, while CSK’s woes continue as they sit at the bottom of the table.

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🔥 Standout Performances

For MI:

• Rohit Sharma – 76* (45)
• Suryakumar Yadav – 68* (30)
• Jasprit Bumrah – 2/25

For CSK:

• Ravindra Jadeja – 53* (35)
• Shivam Dube – 50 (32)
• Ayush Mhatre – 32 (15)