Xtra Time Web Desk: It seems like there has been a significant shift in dynamics between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma in the IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Initially, Hardik was seen giving fielding instructions to Sharma, his former captain, during Mumbais’ opener against Gujarat Titans.
However, in the subsequent match against SRH, the tables turned as Rohit had to step in and assist Hardik with fielding changes as Mumbai faced immense pressure from Hyderabad’s aggressive batting. This turnaround highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of adaptability in the sport. Moreover, SRH’s remarkable performance led them to set a new record for the highest-ever total in the history of the Indian Premier League, with a whopping 277 runs.
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It appears that Hardik faced backlash from some fans on social media following the viral video of him instructing Rohit to field along the boundary line during a match. The criticism stemmed from the perception that Hardik ‘s gesture was not humble towards his former captain. Such incidents often spark debate and discussion among cricket fans, especially when it involves prominent players like Hardik and Rohit. It highlights the scrutiny and pressure that professional athletes face, not only on the field but also in the public eye and on social media platforms.
It seems that despite the efforts made by Rohit Sharma and Hardik to implement fielding changes, SRH’s batter continued their onslaught, sending the ball flying into the stands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. With a total of 18 sixes and 19 boundaries, SRH surpassed Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 11-year-old record for the highest-ever IPL total, reaching a staggering 263 runs. This remarkable display of batting prowess further emphasizes the dominance of SRH’s batting lineup in that particular match.
Travis Head, the hero of the World Cup final, once again tormented a team in blue as he hit an 18-ball fifty and eventually finished with 24-ball 62. Young Abhishek Sharma went one step further as he broke the record for the fastest fifty for the 2016 champions in IPL, getting there in just 16 balls.
SRH posted 148 runs in the first 10 overs, the highest-ever tally in the said quota of overs in IPL. The carnage did not stop there as Heinrich Klaasen, arguably the best batter in T20 cricket at the moment, hit 80 not out off 34 balls, smashing 7 sixes in the process.
It was a tough night for Hardik, the captain, as his decision to hold back their best bowler Jasprit Bumrah backfired. Bumrah came into bowl his first over only in the 4th over, by when SRH had posted 40 on the board.
Bumrah returned to bowl another over only after the 12th over was completed. SRH had by then scored 173 runs, leaving fans and experts puzzled.