Hardik Pandya Heaped Praise On Rohit Sharma: Indian Premier League 2026 The second match was played last night i.e. on 29th March between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. In this match played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians won by 6 wickets. After the victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, team captain Hardik Pandya said that he had to wait a long time to win the first match of the season. Mumbai Indians have always been a slow starting team in the IPL. The team last won its first match in the IPL in the year 2012, in which it defeated Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets. The team won the title five times between 2013 and 2020, but the losing streak continued in the first match of this league.

Hardik Pandya said while talking to broadcasters

Talking to broadcasters after the match, Hardik Pandya said, ‘Had to wait a long time to win the first match of the season. Whenever we came on the field, we always thought of starting the season on a strong note. The whole team is very happy that we were able to do this.

Hardik gave credit for the victory to the bowlers

Mumbai won the match by achieving the target of 221 runs given by Kolkata Knight Riders. Regarding chasing this big target, Hardik Pandya said, ‘Looking at the current mood and pitch in cricket, it goes to the credit of our bowlers that they did not allow KKR to reach the score of 240 or 250 runs. These targets become difficult, but a score of 220 can be achieved.

Rohit Sharma was praised a lot

On choosing between Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, Hardik said, ‘Ryan performed very well for us last year and Quincy is a great person. They understood that we were supporting one player and wanted to maintain continuity in the team. This method worked. Whenever I see Rohit Sharma playing some shots, everyone’s mouth remains open. His batting is not excellent, but tremendous.

MI vs KKR Highlights: Historic win for Mumbai Indians, defeated Kolkata by 6 wickets; Shardul received POTM award