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IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya wins toss, opts to bowl against SRH

ANI April 17, 2025 246 views

Hardik Pandya won the toss and chose to bowl first against SRH, citing dew as a key factor. He confirmed Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness ahead of the match. Both teams are struggling in the tournament with just two wins each. The SRH captain noted the pitch looks good but expects minimal reverse swing.

"We are going to bowl first. I think it has a lot to do with the dew." – Hardik Pandya"
Mumbai, April 17: Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday.

Key Points

1

Hardik Pandya confirms Jasprit Bumrah is fit for MI

2

Dew factor influences toss decision at Wankhede

3

Both MI and SRH struggling with 2 wins in 6 matches

4

SRH captain expects minimal reverse swing due to dry Hyderabad pitch

Pandya also gave an update on Jasprit Bumrah, " He (Bumrah) is fine. We don't need to worry about Jasprit Bumrah; if he's not fit, he wouldn't have been here."

"We are going to bowl first. I think it has a lot to do with the dew. Last night, there was dew, and it's always better to bat second at the Wankhede. Same side. Everyone knew we had to give it our all, and that brought us closer. That's (changing the batting order), depending on the situation, we will do that, we back all the batters in our team," he noted.

The SRH captain praised the wicket, "That's fine. It looks like a pretty good wicket. Same side. I think Abhi is still looking at the highlights (laughs). But we had a nice break, a couple of practice sessions, and here we are, five days go by like that. I don't think so (reverse swing plays a big part), especially in certain venues...Hyderabad because it is dry and it will be even tougher (to get reverse) as we go along in the tournament, as the dew comes in."

The Hardik Pandya-led side is languishing at seventh position with two wins and four defeats in six matches, while the 2016 champions, Hyderabad, are at ninth position with two wins and four defeats in six matches. It is the net run rate separating the two sides in the points table.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins(c), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami, Eshan Malinga

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Karn Sharma.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smart decision by Hardik to bowl first considering the dew factor at Wankhede! MI really needs this win to stay in the tournament. Fingers crossed 🤞 #OneFamily
P
Priya S.
Not sure about this bowling decision... SRH's batting lineup looks dangerous with Head and Abhishek opening. Hope Bumrah is 100% fit though!
A
Amit R.
Both teams at 2 wins and 4 losses - this is going to be a thriller! Excited to see SKY back in action after his injury break 💥
S
Sanjana M.
While I'm happy with MI's playing XI, I wish they'd give more chances to young domestic players instead of relying so much on overseas stars. Just my opinion!
V
Vikram J.
That SRH bowling attack looks lethal - Cummins, Shami and Malinga! MI batters will have their work cut out for them tonight. Should be a great contest between bat and ball.
N
Neha P.
Hardik's captaincy has been questionable this season, but today's decision makes sense. Wankhede is always better to chase under lights! Let's go MI! 💙

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