Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was visibly pleased after his team delivered one of their most dominant performances of the IPL 2025 season, defeating Rajasthan Royals by a massive margin. The all-rounder lauded the clinical execution with both bat and ball, calling it close to a perfect game, while also acknowledging that the team left some runs on the table.
In a composed and confident post-match interaction, Pandya said, “The way we batted, and we were clinical with the ball—so absolutely, a perfect game. We could have gotten another 15 runs. What we were trying to speak to each other about was playing percentage shots.” His words summed up the growing sense of maturity within the Mumbai Indians camp, as the team seems to be peaking at just the right time in the tournament.
Batting first, MI’s innings was marked by calculated aggression. Rohit Sharma provided a solid start, playing with fluency and precision, while Ryan Rickelton offered support with quick runs and smart rotation of strike. The acceleration came in the middle and final overs, where Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav capitalized on the platform set by the openers. Both batsmen emphasized timing and placement over brute force, something Pandya repeatedly referred to as “percentage shots”—a smart cricketing approach that prioritizes calculated risks over reckless slogging.
The MI skipper was particularly impressed with how his teammates adapted their games. He mentioned discussions with Suryakumar during their partnership about sticking to cricketing basics rather than improvising under pressure. “Surya and I said there’s value for shots. Ro and Ryan batted the same way. It’s never about people getting chances, it’s about what is required in the situation,” Pandya said, underlining the team’s collective mindset.
This emphasis on “batsmanship,” as Pandya called it, reflects a return to disciplined, situation-based cricket. Rather than chasing extravagant shots or milestones, the players are now aligning their individual styles with the team’s overall strategy. It’s a sign of a well-oiled unit that knows its strengths and plays accordingly.
On the bowling front, Mumbai Indians were equally dominant. Their bowlers executed plans with precision, constantly putting Rajasthan’s batters under pressure with tight lines and clever variations. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge, backed by strong spells from spinners and seamers alike. The Royals could never find momentum, and MI wrapped up a comprehensive win.
Pandya also emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite the big victory. “Everyone is very clear, and we are going back to simple cricket. It is working for us and hopefully, it continues. We want to be humble, very disciplined, and keep focusing,” he said, reinforcing a theme of maturity and professionalism.
With this performance, Mumbai Indians have made a statement to the rest of the league. The focus on strategic batting, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership suggests they are well-prepared to make a deep run in the tournament. For Pandya, this win was more than just points on the table—it was validation of a thoughtful, evolving approach to the game.
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