• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 04/28/2024
• 0 Comments

After a nail-biting, high-intensity clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals, Captain Hardik Pandya finally pinpointed the crucial moment that led to their defeat, which might surprise many fans.

Despite his stellar performance of scoring 63 off just 32 balls, at a strike rate in excess of 190, Hardik Pandya believes that Tilak Verman’s approach against Axar Patel might have cost his side the win.

Hardik Pandya said, "When Axar was bowling to a left-hander (Tilak Verma), he should have shown some intent, I think it was a little awareness of the game that we missed and that's why we lost the match". pic.twitter.com/dral03Ko0Q

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) April 28, 2024

“Axar bowling to a left-hander [Tilak], the better option could have been to go after him,” Hardik said on the official broadcast after the game. “I think it was just a little game awareness that we missed out. At the end of the day, that cost us the game.”

This comes after Axar Patel seemed to have troubled Tilak in his brief spell. The orthodox spinner came to bowl in the 8th over of the game. At that point, MI was struggling at 72 for 3. Tilak Verman was present on the crease and looking dangerous.

Also read MI Captain Hardik Pandya Reflects on Team’s Yet Another Loss in IPL 2024

Axar Patel’s bowling strategy had a significant impact on Tilak Verma. In the first four balls that the southpaw faced, he could only manage 4 runs, all in singles. The lack of intent in those shots clearly indicated the pressure he was under.

However, Tilak later took the attack to Axar by smashing him for a six and a four in the last two balls of the 10th over. As a result of which, the left-arm orthodox bowler didn’t bowl in the rest of the inning. He ended the game with 24 runs against his name from 2 overs without any wickets.

Tilak Verma’s presence at the crease until the final over was a testament to his resilience. However, despite his efforts, the game’s fate remained unchanged, and Mumbai Indians ended up on the losing side.

Feel for tilak verma, he gives his best for the team ..!!#MIvsDCpic.twitter.com/6FDlr1cxMJ

— Haroon Mustafa (@CRICFOOTHAROON) April 27, 2024

It was an enticing, high-scoring encounter. Delhi Capitals posted 257 runs in the first inning, and Mumbai Indians were not far behind. They didn’t come off the blocks quickly and scored just 65 runs in their powerplay. However, a quickfire knock by Suryakumar, followed by handy knocks by captain Pandya and David, kept them in the chase.

Also read Faf du Plessis Jokes After Breaking RCB’s Losing Streak in IPL 2024

Tilak Verma was the target man. He knew he could win the game, but the steady fall of the wicket from the other end kept mounting pressure on him. As a result, the Mumbai Indians succumbed to another defeat.