IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul exchange jerseys after the match

Rahul's heroic knock of 94 runs went in vain.

Published - 17 May 2018, 11:44 IST | Updated - 17 May 2018, 11:44 IST

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Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul exchange their jerseys

The do or die game between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) was expected to be a thrilling one as some of the T20 superstars were going to clash. It was the class of KL Rahul which unfortunately had to be on the receiving end courtesy some game-changing death overs bowling from Jasprit Bumrah. While the spectators were treated with a humdinger, the scenes after the game won everyone’s hearts as Rahul and Hardik Pandya exchanged their respective jerseys as it is done in the Football after every match.

The chase of 187 was never going to be easy but Wankhede Stadium is known to be a chasing venue. It was important for the openers to give a good start to the visitors, but the fall of Chris Gayle early once again didn’t help their cause. But the free-flowing Rahul took the mantle in his own hands and fought bravely for his team. He was supported ably by Aaron Finch who found his groove at the right time and the duo added 111 runs as it looked like a cakewalk from there despite the required-rate being over 11.

Dejected Rahul consoled by Pandya

But the spell from Bumrah turned the game on its head as he sent back Finch and Stoinis in the 17th over. The pressure on KL Rahul increased even as kept on hitting boundaries at will displaying his prowess in the shortest format. But Bumrah got better of him as well in the penultimate which all but ended the game as the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Axar Patel failed to score 18 runs off last 9 balls. Rahul’s masterclass of 94 runs had gone in vain and he was seen sitting dejected with his head down in the dugout.

Amidst the celebrations of victory, after the handshakes between the players, Hardik Pandya found time to console his India teammate and both exchanged their jersey. Pandya even hugged Rahul and consoled him trying to make him smile in the process. The fans were highly impressed with the two and applauded both of them for their gesture.