‘Jasprit Bumrah is like Mumbai housing costs’: Hardik Pandya | Cricket News – Times of India

It was an evening that noticed Mumbai Indians flex their championship mettle as soon as once more. In a report-breaking IPL Eliminator in Mullanpur — the place each groups mixed for a staggering 436 runs, the best ever in playoff historical past — MI held their nerve to beat Gujarat Titans by 20 runs and march into Qualifier 2. While the scoreboard lit up with sixes and bounds, it was Mumbai’s capability to win the clutch moments that stood out. Skipper Hardik Pandya, going through his former franchise in a excessive-strain knockout, was full of reward for his group’s temperament and timing. “At one point of time the game was even-stevens,” Pandya mentioned after the win. “I thought the wicket got better in the second innings. It started to come on well, they got into rhythm and we realised we need to hold our nerves and back our boys.” He singled out Jonny Bairstow’s explosive debut knock and Rohit Sharma’s composed 81 as pivotal. “The way Jonny batted and started… for him to make his debut for us, it’s a special franchise, coming in and playing the way he played. The way Ro batted — he took his time and once he got into rhythm, it was beautiful.” Pandya additionally praised his bowling unit, significantly Richard Gleeson’s remaining over below harm duress and Jasprit Bumrah’s scientific spell. “The way Gleeson bowled. Jassi being Jassi. Ashwani… everyone chipped in well and we held our nerves. I would’ve liked couple more (big hits). The little margins help. We wanted to push in batting and I think we were able to do that.” Asked when he decides to bowl Bumrah, Pandya smiled: “It’s very simple. Whenever you think the game is going away, just bring him. When you have that it’s a luxury. It’s like Mumbai housing prices – he’s that expensive.” The remaining overs have been tense, however Pandya had it deliberate. “I was just watching the scoreboard and I thought if we can keep extra runs at the end, I had the bowlers to bowl it. It was important that Jassi comes and bowls that over so that the margin becomes longer (the 18th over). Very important to recover well. Looking forward to the next game.” With this victory, Mumbai Indians arrange a Qualifier 2 conflict towards Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on June 1. The winner will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru within the IPL 2025 Final.