'IPL tests you' - Hardik Pandya takes sly dig at public criticism during toss against PBKS

Mumbai Indians (MI) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 33^rd match of the Indian Premier League 2024 in Mullanpur on Thursday, April 18. PBKS captain, Sam Curran, won the toss and opted to bowl first. While at the toss Pandya seemed to have taken a dig at the criticism he has been receiving over past months. He slyly put forward the hassles of the cash-rich league to opine on the heat he has been receiving. 

For the unversed, there has been a huge uproar after Pandya was appointed as the MI captain replacing Rohit Sharma. The move did not fit well with the franchise’s fans and Rohit fans alike. The all-rounder was subjected to booing in the stadiums. Things worsened when MI played at the Wankhede Stadium.

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“We wanted to bat first as well, so good toss to lose. We don't judge (our performances), couple of times we had the game in our grasp and didn't finish the game, IPL tests you, when the game is not over it is not over. We just take it game by game, go out there and give our 100 percent. Every individual should commit to the team's goal, and once we do that, the results will be seen. Same team,” Hardik said at the toss. 

Watch the toss here:

Pandya's men eye comeback

The five-time champions have had a sedated start to the season so far, having lost four out of the six games they've played. With just four points on the board, it is important for the Hardik Pandya-led side to register victories in the majority of their games. A ruse loss against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rubbed salt to their wounds, and hence, MI will be backing themselves to emerge as winner in the remaining fixtures.