IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Credits ‘Simple Cricket’ After MI’s Dominant Win Over Royals
Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya praised his team’s return to basics after their emphatic 100-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, a result that propelled MI to the top of the IPL 2025 points table.
Riding on stellar performances from Ryan Rickleton (61 off 34), Rohit Sharma (53 off 35), and unbeaten 48s by Suryakumar Yadav and Pandya, MI posted a formidable 217/2—their highest score this season. Their bowlers then bundled out a lackluster RR side for 117 in 16.1 overs, securing their first win in Jaipur since 2012 and extending their winning streak to six matches.
“Going Back to Simple Cricket Is Working”: Pandya
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pandya described the performance as close to perfect.
“The way we batted, and we were clinical with the ball—so absolutely, a perfect game. We could have got another 15 runs, but we stuck to playing percentage shots,” he said.
“Surya and I just said there’s value for proper cricketing shots. Ro and Ryan batted similarly. People are going back to proper batsmanship—it’s not just about hitting. As a group, it was fantastic.”
Pandya credited the team’s clarity in both batting and bowling departments, adding that the focus remains on staying grounded.
“Everyone is really clear. We’re going back to simple cricket, and it’s working. We want to take it game by game, and be humble and disciplined.”
Rickleton Shines, Named Player of the Match
Ryan Rickleton, whose explosive 61 at the top laid the foundation, was awarded Player of the Match.
“It was an awesome night. I have family here as well—it’s been a really good week,” he shared.
“I was guilty earlier in the tournament of trying too much. The IPL teaches you to adapt, and we have a strong think tank and senior players backing us.”
Rickleton and Rohit Sharma’s 116-run opening partnership was MI’s first century stand this season and proved crucial in setting the tone for the match.
Boult, Bumrah Lead With the Ball
Pacer Trent Boult, who claimed 3 wickets for 28 runs, lauded the team’s collective bowling effort.
“As a unit, we couldn’t have asked for more. It was a good score and a good surface. Everything clicked. It’s satisfying when the plans come together,” Boult said.
He also praised Jasprit Bumrah, who was instrumental with a fiery spell that included key wickets of Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer.
“Proper nasty-fasty today from Bumrah,” Boult added. “He needs no introduction—he’s world-class.”
RR Skipper Parag Reflects on Missed Opportunities
With RR now officially out of playoff contention, stand-in captain Riyan Parag accepted responsibility for the team’s poor showing, particularly from the middle order.
“You’ve got to give credit to MI for the way they batted. They kept wickets in hand and built pressure. A 190-200 total would’ve been ideal,” he said.
“We’ve done some things right and some wrong. The middle order, myself and Dhruv, should have stepped up. We’ll learn and focus on the positives as well.”
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians 217/2 in 20 overs
(Ryan Rickleton 61, Rohit Sharma 53, Suryakumar Yadav 48*, Hardik Pandya 48*)
Rajasthan Royals 117 in 16.1 overs
(Jofra Archer 30; Karn Sharma 3/23, Trent Boult 3/28)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 100 runs
