In Mumbai Indians' inaugural match of the IPL season, their newly appointed captain, Hardik Pandya, gracefully accepted the team's six-run loss to Gujarat Titans, emphasizing that it was just the beginning of the tournament with 13 matches still ahead.
Pandya demonstrated understanding towards his batsman, Tilak Varma, who opted not to take a single run during a crucial moment while batting alongside Tim David. Despite initially being on track for victory, Mumbai Indians fell short of the 169-run target, concluding at 162/9 in 20 overs.
Reflecting on the game during the post-match presentation, Pandya acknowledged the team's belief in their ability to chase the required runs but noted a loss of momentum in the final overs. He expressed his delight at returning to the lively atmosphere of the stadium and credited the enthusiastic crowd for adding to the experience.
Regarding Varma's decision, Pandya supported his teammate, stating that Varma believed it was the best choice at that moment, and he fully endorsed it, emphasizing that there were still plenty of matches left in the tournament.
On the other side, Gujarat Titans' new captain, Shubman Gill, commended his bowlers, particularly spinners R Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan, for their exceptional performance despite the challenging conditions with dew setting in at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Gill highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and executing their plans effectively under pressure.
Pandya's decision to field first after winning the toss was influenced by the dew factor, a strategy that Gill acknowledged as they aimed to put Mumbai Indians under pressure from the start and capitalize on any mistakes made by the opposition.
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