The game seemed to be tilting in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) favor after they picked up four key wickets at regular intervals. But the tide turned when Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya walked in and completely shifted the momentum. At the Wankhede Stadium, he unleashed a fiery 33 off just 8 balls¡ªmuch of it coming at the expense of his elder brother and RCB spinner, Krunal Pandya.
Bowling the 15th over, Krunal was taken to task as Hardik smashed him for two massive sixes. In response, Krunal tried adjusting his line but ended up conceding two wides. Despite the intense moment, the brothers shared a lighthearted exchange on the field, smiling and engaging in playful banter.
In fact, prior to his brother, Hardik went after Ausie pacer Josh Hazlewood. He smashed 22 runs off that over. With his explosive cameo, Hardik brought MI's target down to 65 runs needed from 30 balls. By the next timeout, MI required just 52 off 24 deliveries¡ªwith momentum clearly on their side.?Hardik Pandya, along with Tilak Varma, stitched together a blistering 84-run partnership off just 35 balls.
Fans react
Many on X (formerly known as Twitter) were praising the all-rounder for his powerful hitting but also being all smiles with his brother. One said, "HARDIK PANDYA AND KRUNAL PANDYA SMILING TOGETHER NOW"
Another wrote, "Hardik Pandya thrashing Krunal Pandya".
One wrote, "Hardik Pandya hitting Krunal Pandya for 6s".
Another added, "Hardik Pandya goes 6,4,6,4 against Hazlewood & Six against Krunal his brother".
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Subs: Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Swastik Chikara, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh?
Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur
Impact Subs: Rohit Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Raj Bawa
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