In the latest developments of the IPL 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a significant turnaround under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, clinching a thrilling four-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 17, 2025. This victory comes on the heels of another crucial win against Delhi Capitals, marking MI's resurgence in the tournament.
Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian cricketer and current analyst, has been vocal in his praise for Pandya, highlighting his never-give-up attitude and his ability to lead from the front. "Hardik Pandya is a character, and he is leading from the front – whether it’s batting, bowling, fielding, or even off the field. He’s always smiling. The one thing about him – he never gives up," Jadeja remarked during his appearance on JioHotstar.
Last season was a challenging one for Pandya, but he has shown resilience and determination this year, even when the team faced early setbacks. "Last year wasn’t the best for him, but this year, even without great results early on, he’s stayed true to his style," Jadeja noted, emphasizing Pandya's consistent performance and leadership qualities.
In the match against SRH, Pandya showcased his all-round capabilities, scoring 21 runs off just 9 balls at a blistering strike rate of 233.33, which included 3 fours and a six. His aggressive batting has been crucial in tight situations, and Jadeja believes that when Pandya is at the crease, MI has a better chance of success, regardless of the required run rate. "When Hardik Pandya walks in, even when the team needs 10, 12, or 15 runs an over, you still feel they’ve got a better chance with him at the crease," he stated.
On the bowling front, Pandya has also excelled, becoming one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament. With 11 wickets in just 6 matches, he is currently tied for second place alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, and Shardul Thakur. His bowling has not only been effective in the powerplay but has also been instrumental in the middle overs, helping to build pressure on opposing teams.
During the match against SRH, Pandya picked up a critical wicket, dismissing Abhishek Sharma in the 8th over, which was pivotal in curbing SRH's scoring momentum. Jadeja praised Pandya's versatility, saying, "Hardik Pandya is one of the best all-rounders in the world. When he’s firing, the team usually wins." This dual-threat capacity has bolstered his confidence and translated into impactful performances with the bat.
Despite MI's previous struggles in the tournament, Jadeja believes that the turning point came during their hard-fought 12-run victory over the Delhi Capitals. "The turnaround, in my opinion, came in the last game against Delhi Capitals. That game was gone; most teams would’ve given up. But Mumbai Indians clawed back – and that’s Hardik Pandya for you," Jadeja explained. This match not only reignited MI's campaign but also showcased the team's fighting spirit, a hallmark of Pandya's leadership.
Currently, MI sits at seventh place in the IPL 2025 standings, with six points and a net run rate of +0.239. They have won three matches and faced four defeats thus far. The team is now looking to complete a hat-trick of victories as they prepare to face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium. Jadeja expressed optimism about MI's upcoming match, stating, "Tonight was a bonus. It was a comfortable win, but the Delhi game showed what MI and Hardik are made of."
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue to rise in the standings. With his leadership and resilience, Pandya not only inspires his teammates but also sets a precedent for younger players in the league. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example makes him a vital asset for MI as they aim for success in this year’s tournament.
