Once Hardik Pandya gets into the groove, he can string 4-5 match-winning scores: Ravi Shastri

India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Hardik Pandya’s return to form is a big boost for Mumbai Indians. The all-rounder finished the game for the five-time champions against Punjab Kings and finally was amongst the runs after a dry run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He scored an unbeaten 40 off 30 balls with four fours and a couple of sixes, his first decent score in a long while.

Speaking about the same, Shastri asserted that Hardik is a confidence player and now he will be keen on building on that knock. The India head coach also believes that the MI all-rounder, once he gets going, has the ability to win matches on his own for his side.

“Hardik Pandya’s very much a confidence player. Sometimes, when you are not a 100 percent, it can play on your mind. So it was important from Mumbai Indians’ (MI) point of view that he first got on to the park, and then scored the runs. I have known Hardik for a long time. Once he gets into the groove, he can string 4-5 match-winning scores,” Shastri said while speaking to Fancode.

Shastri backs MI to win against DC

Mumbai Indians are set to face an in-form Delhi Capitals on Saturday afternoon which is a crucial game for Rohit Sharma and Co. Ravi Shastri has picked MI as the favourites to win the game with the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan also due a big knock.

“Both MI and DC are very good, but I would give Mumbai the edge. Delhi faltered in the last game and Mumbai are just getting that upswing going with Hardik getting some runs. Let’s face it, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are due. If they start firing as well, then it’s a different ball game. So I would give them the edge,” the 59-year-old added.

However, Shastri also maintained his stance that the reason he picked Mumbai as favourites just to spice up the playoffs race in the IPL. “You want it for the IPL. Delhi are already through. You want some maara-maari (fight) now for that third and fourth spot. Any supporter would want that. So just for that sake, I am saying Mumbai,” he said.