Hardik Pandya’s Impactful Return to Mumbai Indians: A Look Back at IPL 2021
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the upcoming IPL 2024 season. After a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, Pandya’s reunion with the five-time champions has generated immense excitement among fans and experts. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and revisit the last time Pandya played for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021, analyzing his performance and the team’s overall outcome.
Pandya’s Final Appearance for Mumbai Indians
During IPL 2021, Pandya’s last match for the Mumbai Indians was against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Batting first, Mumbai Indians got off to a dazzling start with a fiery opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. However, Pandya’s contribution in this particular game was cut short as he was dismissed cheaply for just 10 runs off eight balls.
Pandya attempted to smash a googly from the talented leg-spinner Rashid Khan for a six over midwicket. Unfortunately, he mistimed the shot and was caught at long-on off Jason Holder’s bowling. Despite his early departure, Mumbai Indians went on to secure a convincing victory against SRH, winning the match by 42 runs.
Mumbai Indians’ Dominant Batting Display
In that memorable encounter, Mumbai Indians posted a mammoth total of 235/9 after opting to bat first. Rohit Sharma’s knock of 18 off 13 balls, though not a substantial contribution, set the stage for a blistering innings from Ishan Kishan. Kishan’s scintillating knock of 84 off just 32 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, propelled the Mumbai Indians to a commanding position.
It was Suryakumar Yadav, however, who stole the show with his exceptional batting display. Yadav’s unbeaten innings of 82 off 40 balls, consisting of 13 fours and three sixes, propelled the Mumbai Indians to a staggering total. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Yadav’s heroics ensured that Mumbai Indians crossed the 230-run mark.
SunRisers Hyderabad’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a target of 236, the SunRisers Hyderabad fell short, managing only 193/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Manish Pandey fought valiantly with an unbeaten 69 off 41 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. However, none of the other SRH batsmen were able to make a significant impact. Jason Roy and Abhishek Sharma contributed 34 and 33 runs respectively, while Priyam Garg scored 29 off 21 balls.
The Mumbai Indians bowling attack proved to be too strong for SRH. Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and James Neesham claimed two wickets each, while Trent Boult and Piyush Chawla chipped in with one wicket each. Despite the victory against SRH, Mumbai Indians finished fifth in the points table, narrowly missing out on a spot in the playoffs.
Mumbai Indians’ Playing XI in Pandya’s Last Match
Let’s take a look at the playing XI for the Mumbai Indians in Pandya’s final match for the franchise in IPL 2021:
| Mumbai Indians Playing XI |
|---|
| Rohit Sharma (c) |
| Ishan Kishan (wk) |
| Suryakumar Yadav |
| Hardik Pandya |
| Kieron Pollard |
| Krunal Pandya |
| James Neesham |
| Nathan Coulter-Nile |
| Piyush Chawla |
| Jasprit Bumrah |
| Trent Boult |
Pandya’s Performance in IPL 2021
Unfortunately, IPL 2021 was not a standout season for Hardik Pandya. In the 12 matches he played, Pandya managed to score only 127 runs at an average of 14.11 and a strike rate of 113.39. His highest score in the tournament was an unbeaten 40. Due to a persisting back issue, Pandya did not have the opportunity to contribute with the ball during the season.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024 has reignited the excitement among fans and cricket enthusiasts. While his final appearance for the franchise in IPL 2021 may not have been his best, Pandya’s overall impact as an all-rounder cannot be underestimated. His explosive batting and valuable contributions with the ball have been instrumental in Mumbai Indians’ past successes, and the team will be hoping for more of the same in the upcoming season.
As we eagerly wait for the IPL 2024 to unfold, it is a perfect time to reflect on Pandya’s journey with the Mumbai Indians and appreciate his immense talent. With his ability to turn the game single-handedly, Pandya’s return promises to add a new dimension to the already formidable Mumbai Indians lineup. The fans can’t wait to witness Pandya’s heroics once again as he dons the MI colors and leads the team on their quest for another IPL title.
