The pitch in Jaipur is generally good for batting in the second innings in the evening game. However, Hardik Pandya took a surprising decision of batting first after winning the toss. Rajasthan Royals bowlers took four early wickets in the form of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammad Nabi.
However, Tilak Varma played his best knock in IPL 2024, scoring 65 runs off 45 balls, with the help of 6 5 fours and 3 sixes. His important partnership with Nehal Wadhera (49) took the total to 179/9 in 20 overs. Sandeep Sharma took 5 wickets for the 2008 champions.
Former MI player Aditya Tare was not convinced with Hardik’s decision to bat first on a pitch that plays slow in the first innings.
“Mumbai Indians should have bowled first as batting second over here is easy. The ball comes nicely on to the bat under the lights and if there is dew, the bowlers ate always under pressure. It is a chasing ground in the evening game. I feel batting second would have made more sense,” he said on Star Sports.
Hardik’s calls have been questioned in the ongoing season. His bowling changes and field placements have proved costly for the five-time champions.
Irfan Pathan, who hasn’t been kind to Hardik, once again lambasted the all-rounder.
