IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) recently treated fans to an unseen video featuring skipper Hardik Pandya and star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in a fiery center-wicket practice duel during the 2025 season. The clip quickly caught attention, showcasing the competitive spirit of two of India’s biggest match-winners.
The battle began with Pandya asserting dominance. Reading Bumrah early, the allrounder launched a straight six down the ground. He followed it up by glancing a fuller delivery towards fine leg, which would have raced away for four in a live game. For a moment, Pandya looked in control.
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But Bumrah, true to his reputation, came storming back. He produced a searing yorker, one of his trademark weapons, that dipped sharply and clattered into Pandya’s leg-stump. Even with his quick reflexes, the MI skipper couldn’t bring his bat down in time. The dismissal left Pandya nodding in admiration, while Bumrah walked back with a grin. Teammates and support staff on the sidelines erupted with applause, praising the pacer with shouts of “well bowled!”
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This moment carried extra significance as Bumrah had only recently returned to action after a tough rehab from a recurring back injury. The fast bowler missed MI’s opening three games of IPL 2025 while awaiting clearance from the NCA medical team. The injury was aggravated during the Sydney Test earlier in the year, where Bumrah bowled over 150 overs in a demanding series.
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Despite the setback, Bumrah finished the IPL strongly, taking 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of just 6.77. Pandya, on the other hand, inspired MI’s revival after a poor start, scoring at a blistering 163.50 strike rate while also chipping in with 14 wickets. Their duel in practice perfectly symbolized Mumbai’s fighting spirit.
