Stats: Hardik Pandya gets out hit-wicket against Andre Russell

Defending champions Mumbai Indians locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders in the fifth match of IPL 2020 at Abu Dhabi. After being put to bat first, the Mumbai franchise suffered an early blow in the form of Quinton de Kock. However, unfazed by the untimely dismissal, MI marched to notch 195 runs on the scoreboard.

After failing to deliver in the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings, MI skipper Rohit Sharma rose to the occasion and slammed an impressive 70-run knock. Flaunting his timing and skill, the ‘Hitman’ slammed 6 maximums and became the second Indian player after MS Dhoni to hit 200 sixes in the IPL.

Rohit was also assisted by Suryakumar Yadav’s vital 28-ball 47, especially in the Powerplay overs. But after the dismissal of Yadav and Rohit, no MI batsman was able to steer them past the 200-run mark. Swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, known for his ability to clear the ropes with ease, stepped in the middle in death overs.

Hardik Pandya managed to score just 18 off 13 deliveries

Considering his reputation, Hardik was anticipated to smoke sixes in the last two over. But to the disappointment of MI fans, he got out off in a peculiar way. Standing deep in the crease, Hardik brushed the stumps while driving the ball, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal.

The Baroda all-rounder became the 11th player to get dismissed off a hit-wicket in the IPL history. Hardik had to walk back to the pavilion after scoring 18 off 13 deliveries, including 2 fours and a six.

The first-ever hit-wicket dismissal in the IPL was in its inaugural edition in 2008. Interestingly, Musavir Khote, the batsman, was also a part of Mumbai Indians. In the game against Kings XI Punjab, Khote was the last man dismissed off a delivery bowled by S Sreesanth.

The inaugural edition also witnessed Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq becoming a part of the hit-wicket club. Misbah, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, became the first overseas batsman to be dismissed hit wicket in the IPL. He was also dismissed on Sreesanth’s delivery. The most recent hit-wicket dismissal came in the previous IPL where Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag threw his wicket off Andre Russell’s delivery.