Hardik Pandya makes a startling statement about his batting

Mumbai Indians’ mainstay and Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya yet again proved to be crucial in the team’s victory over rivals Kolkata Knight Riders. It was another do-or-die encounter for Rohit Sharma’s side, facing a tough opponent in the form of Dinesh Karthik’s men. While KKR came into the match, after a brutal victory over the table toppers Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai had won a nail-biter against Kings XI Punjab to give them a chance at qualification.

Pandya notched up a crucial 20-ball 35 in the first innings, to help the side to a successful total of 181 runs on a batting-friendly track at the Wankhede Stadium. The right-handed all-rounder did not shine just with the bat, but also took two crucial wickets, conceding only 19 runs. Further, the two wickets took Pandya’s wicket tally to 14, making him the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, and he now wears the Purple Cap.

Have stopped batting practice 

When Pandya was asked about his batting at the post-match presentation, he said, “I am not doing anything (different). It is just that someday it comes off. I have stopped practising (batting). I am someone who thinks differently. I am actually just being positive. It’s all about one hit, to be honest. You score one six and all of a sudden the momentum shifts and everything changes.”

The purple cap was a huge blessing for the all-rounder, after his slow start to the campaign. Pandya, further said that he was not targetting the purple cap, and stressed on the factor that hard work has helped him get there.

Mumbai chances of getting through

“The team is quite positive and we have to think that we are going to make it. As a team we believe that we can do this and we have done it in the past though it is a bit difficult to do it,” concluded the all-rounder.

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.