Hardik Pandya Speaks Out After MI’s Dominant Win Over CSK: "175-180 Was Below-Par"

Mumbai Indians (MI) posted a comprehensive win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, and skipper Hardik Pandya did not hold back his words in his post-match interview. MI chased CSK's score of 175-180 with ease, winning by a whopping nine wickets. Hardik heaped praise on the two top scorers, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, whose excellent partnership helped MI complete the chase in only 15.4 overs.

Pandya talked personally of Rohit and Suryakumar's excellent batting, admitting that their robust combination was the game-changer in the match. "When Rohit and Surya play like this, it's relief for all of us," Hardik mentioned. He also included that MI did not care about Rohit's batting form. Hardik was sure that the moment Rohit got into rhythm, MI would not struggle to defeat any team. Suryakumar's thump-and-run innings too contributed significantly, with Hardik heaping praise on the way the two owned the game.

The MI skipper also mentioned how the team had strategy in place to play a high-scoring match. "We knew that it was going to be a high-scoring game," he remarked, reflecting on the team plan. Even in the face of pressure to run down a hard score, Hardik and his men kept calm and followed through on their plan. He was also honest about the work with the ball, admitting that pacers conceded a little runs but confirming that the score of CSK was one which MI couldn't have refused. "In the end, 175-180 was below-par," Hardik said confidently.

There were also few contributions in the innings of CSK from the debutant Ayush Mhatre, whose 32 scored in 15 balls was quickest. Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja were the other prolific run-scorers, the former scoring 50 runs within 32 deliveries and the latter remaining on 53* on 35 balls. Their input in run-pursuit contributed CSK towards 176/5 in 20 overs. But MI never had any hopes of chasing down the total, according to Hardik, maintaining their batting firepower in mind.

Jasprit Bumrah was the man of the bowling department for MI, returning two wickets for 25 runs. Though the pacers for MI were marginally costly in some overs, Bumrah's crucial scalps ensured CSK's tally remained in balance. Hardik was impressed that the side managed to follow its plans despite the fact that there were a couple of overs, which were on the pricier side.

The chase was started by a good 63-run partnership by Rohit and Ryan Rickelton, who added 24 runs from 19 balls. After Rickelton's departure, Rohit and Suryakumar took over and completed CSK's target comfortably. Rohit was not dismissed on 76 runs off 45 balls with four boundaries and six sixes, and Suryakumar followed up with a scorching 68* off only 30 balls, including six fours and five sixes. The two finished the game easily with 4.2 overs left.

This win has pushed MI into the sixth position on the points table, four out of four matches and eight points. CSK is on the bottom position with two victories and six defeats. Hardik's captaincy and a reliable team performance have put MI in good stead for the rest of the season.

The post-match analysis of Hardik Pandya was a sign of the improved confidence in team MI. From the explosive batting show to the close-held bowling shows, MI proved that they can conquer any situation. Hardik's no-nonsense and forceful attitude towards the game is leading MI towards victory this season. The neat victory over CSK not only helped push the team higher up in the table but also proved that they have an outstanding all-round game and paved the way for a string of further wins.