Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya put on a bowling masterclass at the Wankhede Stadium during their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. On a pitch that offered unexpected assistance to seamers, Pandya rose to the occasion, delivering tight lines and intelligent variations that stifled SRH’s normally aggressive top order. His spell proved crucial in a game that was otherwise tilted in favour of batters at this venue.
Pandya struck early by removing the dangerous Abhishek Sharma, who had been dropped earlier by Will Jacks off Deepak Chahar in the very first over. This time, there was no mistake. Pandya’s tight channel outside off forced Abhishek into an error, and Mumbai grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
WATCH – Deepak Chahar Fumes as Will Jacks and Karn Sharma Drop Sitters, Let Abhishek Off the Hook
The breakthrough not only put SRH on the back foot but also seemed to settle Pandya into a rhythm that allowed him to build pressure consistently. His moment of brilliance – and heartbreak – came in the 10th over when he bowled a full delivery on the stumps to Travis Head. The Australian whipped it stylishly off his pads, but found Will Jacks perfectly placed at deep mid-wicket.
The Mumbai dugout erupted in celebration, thinking they had seen the back of Head. But the joy was short-lived. Seconds later, the dreaded no-ball siren blared across the stadium, silencing the cheers. Hardik’s foot had marginally overstepped, and the wicket was ruled out.
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The drama on the field was matched by the stunned reactions in the Mumbai camp. Nita Ambani, standing just beyond the boundary rope, was visibly shaken by the sudden twist. From elation to disbelief, her expression mirrored the feelings of thousands of MI fans at the ground.
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While the no-ball was a bitter pill to swallow, Pandya’s overall performance with the ball remained top-notch. His energy, accuracy, and ability to lead from the front provided MI with a much-needed lift on a night when early dropped chances could’ve derailed their momentum.
