Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya expressed confidence in his team's potential to dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season following their commanding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday. Speaking after the match, Pandya stated, "Once everyone starts clicking in this team, there will be domination." 

The MI bowlers set the tone early, with Trent Boult delivering a standout performance, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs. Deepak Chahar complemented Boult's efforts by bowling four consecutive overs, capturing 2 wickets for just 12 runs. Pandya's decision to have Chahar bowl four straight overs was a strategic move, showcasing his instinctive captaincy. "Captaincy sometimes is about instincts. Want to see and react and not always pre-plan," Pandya remarked. 

Chasing a modest target of 144, MI's top order responded effectively. Rohit Sharma anchored the innings with a solid 70 runs, while Suryakumar Yadav accelerated the chase with a quickfire 40 off just 19 balls. Their contributions ensured MI reached the target with 26 balls to spare, securing their fourth consecutive win. 

Pandya's leadership has been under scrutiny this season, with some senior players questioning the team's dynamics under his captaincy. Despite these challenges, MI's recent performances suggest a resurgence, aligning with Pandya's optimistic outlook. He emphasized the importance of momentum, stating, "Good to have wins behind our back. Glad the boys are taking the momentum in the right way." 

As MI continues their campaign, they remain third in the points table, trailing Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals. With key players like Boult and Chahar in form, and the batting lineup firing, MI appears poised for a strong finish to the season. Pandya's belief in his team's potential could be the catalyst for a dominant run in the latter stages of IPL 2025.