NEW DELHI:
Hardik Pandya
heaved a huge sigh of relief as Mumbai Indians snapped their three-match losing streak with a 29-run victory over Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Pandya expressed his joy at leading the winning side and tasting his first victory as captain of MI. He also made it clear that going forward MI will not much tinker with the squad as team combination plays an important role.
"I would like to have this feeling (of being a winning captain more often than not).
Lot of hard work, hard to clear our minds, and everything clicked. We will be making some tactical changes here and there but more often than not this will be our XII. Settling of the team is important," Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
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Pandya stated that despite facing defeat in the first three matches, the team always believed in their ability to make a comeback. They knew that all they needed was one win to get back on track.
"There was a lot of love and care going around, everyone knows we lost three games but the belief and backing was there, everyone believes we needed just one win and today was the start. I mean amazing, to start with 77 after six is always wonderful. The way everyone was batting, we needed rhythm to bat, the way everyone is chipping in with the opportunity coming in was fantastic," he added.
Romario Shepherd
smashed 32 runs off the 20th over for Mumbai Indians to set up their first victory of this IPL season. The West Indies big-hitter crashed a 10-ball 39 in an unbeaten stand of 53 off 13 deliveries with Tim David, who struck 45, to steer Mumbai to 234-5.
"That was some hitting from Romario, he won us the game. The difference was his innings. I like him, he always has a smile of his face, doesn't run away, very proud of the way he played, proud of the team. All good, will be bowling at the right time. Had it covered, so didn't need to roll my arm over," Pandya further said.
Delhi finished on 205-8 despite Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 25-ball 71. They slumped to the bottom of the 10-team table.
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