IPL 2019: Hardik Pandya wants this Mumbai Indians cricketer to join Avengers

Here’s why Hardik Pandya wants this Mumbai Indians cricketer to join the Avengers

cricket Updated: Apr 27, 2019 12:57 IST
Hardik Pandya took to twitter to name the ‘newest’ member of Avengers. (AFP)

Rohit Sharma’s calculative half-century – his first of IPL 2019 – against CSK on Friday impressed teammate Hardik Pandya so much that he went on to say that it was the right time for Rohit to join the Avengers. Rohit struck a brilliant 67 off 48 balls on a sticky surface at Chepauk to lead Mumbai Indians to a 46-run win against hosts CSK.

Opening the batting with de Kock, Rohit gave MI a flying start after they were sent in to bat. The Mumbai Indians captain hit six fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner for 67.

Rohit appeared to be in full control till the time he was at the crease. What made his knock special was the fact that almost all the batters from both sides struggled to score on that wicket.

“Time for the Hitman to join the Avengers . Amazing win in Chennai,” tweeted Hardik Pandya after the match.

Mumbai, however, failed to capitalize on the good start – they were 99/1 in 12 overs – and were restricted to 155 for 4.

Defending the total, MI spinners appeared to return the compliment after CSK tweakers had done a superb job in restricting the visiting team’s batsmen. Murali Vijay (38 off 35 balls, 3x4s, 1x6) was the top-scorer for CSK before being caught smartly by Suryakumar Yadav off Bumrah. Dwayne Bravo (20) and Mitchell Santner (22) were the only other batsmen of the home team to reach double figures. Lasith Malinga returned with figures of 4 for 37 in 3.4 overs.

By virtue of this win, MI jumped to the second spot in the IPL points table with 14 points from 11 games. Despite the loss, CSK still lead the chart with 16 points from 12 matches.

Reacting after being declared as the Player of the Match, Rohit said the absence of MS Dhoni gave them a massive boost.

“It was a massive boost that MSD wasn’t around. Because his presence does a lot for their team. When you don’t have Dhoni when they’re chasing the score, then it becomes difficult for them. I’m sure their presence was missed by CSK. But he was sick, it’s not in his control either,” Rohit said at the post-match ceremony.

First Published: Apr 27, 2019 12:41 IST