'Just making sure we rest well before we see CSK again' - Hardik Pandya draws battle lines ahead of IPL El Clasico

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has expressed his excitement about the upcoming clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 20.

Mumbai have built some momentum after registering back-to-back wins against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). On April 17, they defeated the 2016 champions by four wickets at home. These two results have helped MI bounce back after losing four out of their first five games.

The matches between MI and CSK are termed the IPL El Clasico because of the storied rivalry these two teams have developed over the years. Both teams are hunting for a record-breaking sixth IPL title. Hardik expects a packed Wankhede Stadium when the two teams collide for the second time in the tournament. He said that his team will take some rest before returning to action against the Men in Yellow on Sunday.

"It's gonna be a packed house. I am sure it's gonna be a great game. Just making sure we rest well a couple of days and Sunday we see them again," Hardik said after the match.

The way we bowled today was very smart and spot on: Hardik Pandya

Hardik praised his bowlers for the way they bowled against a dangerous SRH batting lineup on Thursday. Jasprit Bumrah and Co. restricted the Orange Army to 162/5. In reply, MI reached the target with four wickets and 11 balls to spare.

"The way we bowled today was very smart and spot on. We stuck to basic plans and figured out that certain deliveries are not easy to hit. That was the game where we kind of squeezed it," Hardik said.

"It could be a good track, had a nice greenness as well. Deepak bowled a couple of balls that stuck there. So we thought change in pace could be useful. We were trying to mixing it up. Because if you keep on bowling the slower ones again and again, the batters can line you up. We did well with the yorkers as well so they failed to get the rhythm," he added.