Hardik Pandya Lauds MS Dhoni, Says Matheesha Pathirana Was ‘Difference’ After CSK Beat MI at Wankhede

Mumbai: It was a night to forget for Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians as they were beaten by 20 runs at the Wankhede stadium on Sunday by Chennai Super Kings. Following the loss, MI captain Hardik credited MS Dhoni for his presence and work from behind the stumps. He also went onto claim that young pacer Matheesha Pathirana was the difference between the two sides on the day.

“It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there’s a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what’s working, that helps,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation amid boos.

Claiming that the pitch was holding up, Hardik reckoned Pathirana changed the game on its head.

“It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult. It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets. It was about what is best at that time, we could have done something different,” he added.

Chennai have now played six games and won four of them to find themselves in the third spot in the points table. On the other hand, following the loss, MI have now won two games from six matches. MI are currently at the eighth spot in the leader’s race.

MI play their next game against Punjab Kings on April 18. They would be desperate to win that one and get their campaign back on track.