Hardik Pandya basked in the thunderous applause of a packed Wankhede Stadium as he led the Mumbai Indians’ lap of honour on May 21, celebrating a commanding 59-run victory over Delhi Capitals that secured their place in the IPL 2025 play-offs. This moment marked a triumphant turnaround for Hardik and the franchise, especially after a difficult 2024 season.
Hardik had taken over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma after a big move from Gujarat Titans. The 2024 campaign was tough, with Mumbai Indians finishing at the bottom and Hardik facing significant criticism. But instead of giving up, he stayed focused, and despite a shaky start to IPL 2025 — losing four of their first five matches — the team mounted an incredible comeback, winning seven of their next eight games to secure a play-off spot in style.
Throughout the season, Hardik quietly concentrated on extracting the best from his star-studded squad, showing calm and composure under pressure. On the day of the win, MI demonstrated the resilience of champions accustomed to big moments.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja praised Hardik’s leadership, highlighting that while his captaincy style remained consistent, this season he managed his team more effectively. Jadeja noted that Hardik’s energy and motivation have been crucial to the turnaround.
“Hardik has been fabulous. He has got the energy. He has got a different style of captaining,” Jadeja said, adding that Hardik’s perseverance through last year’s hardships—where the same fans once booed him—speaks volumes about his character. “You want to always have a leader like him—not just when you’re winning, but when you are losing as well.”
Jadeja also pointed out that Hardik has benefitted from a much-improved bowling attack this season. Unlike last year when Jasprit Bumrah shouldered most of the bowling responsibilities, this year Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar have bolstered the lineup with 37 wickets collectively, easing the burden on Bumrah and Hardik alike. Hardik himself has contributed 13 wickets but hasn’t had to bowl as extensively.
“The results have come his way this year. I think he has got a better bowling attack this year. So that makes a big difference. A man who bowls for India and plays as a pure bowler is not even required. That’s the kind of arsenal that has been put around him,” Jadeja observed.
Mumbai Indians now aim to finish in the top two of the league to secure an extra chance at reaching the IPL final. Their last league match is against Punjab Kings in Jaipur on Monday.
With Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans confirmed for the play-offs, the race is set for a thrilling finish to IPL 2025.
