New Delhi: Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya is having the time of his life as he led the team to six consecutive victories in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday. Taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, MI registered an emphatic win with a huge margin of 100 runs, heading to the top of the points table with 14 points coming off seven wins.
During the entire match, Pandya notably took the field while having protective glasses on, which left a few fans confused, as Pandya has never donned them before, in any domestic or international game. This led them to take their queries on social media, asking if there was any particular reason behind Pandya wearing the protective lenses.
They received an answer after the game concluded, as it was revealed that Pandya played the game with seven stitches above his left eye, where he got a cut during the training, and that’s why he had a white tape over it. To protect the stitches from any further possible damage or any kind of tear, Pandya sported the protective glasses as a precaution for his injury.
Pandya was hailed for choosing to play the game, as fans called it an example of true leadership and highlighted his commitment to his franchise. Pandya also shone with his all-round heroics as he made a quickfire 23-ball 48* with the bat and delivered a single over of 1/2 with the ball.
CAPTAIN HARDIK PANDYA:
– 7 stitches above his left eye while training.
– Decided to play the match.
– Scored 48* (23) with the bat.
– Picked 1/2 with the ball.THE COMMITMENT OF THE CAPTAIN! pic.twitter.com/zOlD0TcNQI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 1, 2025
Hardik Pandya played today’s match with 7 stitches, he got a cut above his left eye and that is why he had a white tape on the top of left eye. 🫡
– The Leader of MI…!!!! pic.twitter.com/ukHjS2CjOw
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 1, 2025
Post-match comments
Hardik was one happy guy after winning the game and talked in depth about his team’s batting and bowling departments at the post-match presentation. He shared a 94-run stand for the third wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (48* off 23) and said, “What we were trying to speak to each other was to play percentage shots and cricket shots.” Pandya said he doesn’t have to worry about his side’s two main departments, as everything looks sorted for the upcoming games.
“People are going back to what is called batsmanship, it is about hitting the gaps, running hard, and the way we batted was proper batsmanship. I don’t know who all to mention, the kind of bowling attack we have and the experience, I don’t have to worry,” he added.
“Everyone is very clear and we are going back to simple cricket, it is working for us and hopefully it continues. We want to be humble, very disciplined and keep focusing,” he concluded.
Hardik Pandya left a few fans confused as he donned the protective glasses during Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Thursday. Why did he put them on? Know the reason here! Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
