‘Plan is to keep the basics simple’ - Kumar Karthikeya reveals strategy to tackle Hardik Pandya ahead of MI vs GT clash

Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner Kumar Karthikeya expressed his simple plan while being up against Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya ahead of the high-voltage clash. The five-time winners are all set to lock horns with the defending champions at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 12.

Notably, Hardik has displayed his aggressive batting exploits on numerous occasions in the ongoing IPL 2023. Ahead of the highly-anticipated clash against Gujarat, spinner Kumar Karthikeya revealed that his aim would be to keep his length right against the explosive hitter instead of working on a ‘magic ball’.

“I haven't bowled a lot to Hardik (Pandya). Just got a few overs. My plan is to keep the length right because Hardik is a fine batter. So, plan is to keep the basics simple. So instead of bowling a magic ball, I want to keep it simple,” told Karthikeya during a pre-match press conference.

Coming in the middle-order, Hardik has got the big runs for his team and collected 277 runs in 10 appearances, lacing it with two fifties. Upon his return to the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Hardik will be raring to hit the ground running and carve out an instrumental knock against his former team.

Mumbai yet to confirm playoff berth

Speaking about their campaign, Rohit Sharma and Co. are placed fourth in the IPL Points Table with 12 points from 11 matches. However, the five-time winners are yet to confirm their berth in the playoffs as they face a tight competition from the likes of RR and LSG.

With the business end of the season nearing, Mumbai will look to come all guns blazing and win the remainder of the games to seal a berth in the top four of the event. On the other hand, the defending champions comfortably sit atop the ladder with 16 points in just 11 matches and are in a good position to make a place in the Qualifier 1.