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Tag: Hardik Pandya

  • IPL 2025: Fans react as clinical Gujarat Titans clinch 36-run win over Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad

    IPL 2025: Fans react as clinical Gujarat Titans clinch 36-run win over Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad

    Gujarat Titans (GT) registered a dominant 36-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Ahmedabad, securing their first win of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After being put into bat, GT posted a challenging total of 196/8, thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s composed 63 off 41 and Jos Buttler’s explosive 39 off 24. Shubman Gill also played a crucial role with 38 runs, ensuring GT set a formidable target. In response, Mumbai lost early wickets, including Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, inside the powerplay. Despite a fighting knock from Suryakumar Yadav (48 off 28), MI never gained momentum and were restricted to 160/6 in 20 overs.

    Gujarat Titans’ top order sets the foundation for a big total

    Gujarat started aggressively, with openers Shubman Gill and Sudharsan adding 78 runs for the first wicket in just 8.3 overs. Gill played with elegance, striking four boundaries and a six before falling to Hardik Pandya. Buttler then took charge, hammering a quick 39 before departing in the 14th over. Despite late wickets falling in quick succession, Sudharsan held the innings together with a well-paced 63 off 41. Contributions from Sherfane Rutherford and Rashid Khan in the death overs ensured GT finished with a competitive 196/8.

    Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s unplayable delivery ends Rohit Sharma’s stay at the crease during GT vs MI clash

    GT bowlers stifle MI’s run chase

    Chasing 197, MI suffered an early collapse as Siraj’s fiery spell removed Rohit and Rickelton within the first five overs. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar tried to rebuild, adding 62 runs for the third wicket, but Prasidh Krishna struck twice in quick succession to dismiss both batters. Hardik struggled for fluency, scoring just 11 off 17, while the required run rate kept climbing. MI’s lower order failed to produce the late fireworks, and disciplined bowling from Rashid, Siraj, and Sai Kishore ensured GT’s comfortable victory, marking a crucial turnaround for the franchise.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also WATCH: Jos Buttler unleashes a baseball-style shot for a boundary during GT vs MI clash



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  • Michael Vaughan picks the winner of IPL 2025

    Michael Vaughan picks the winner of IPL 2025

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to begin on March 22, and the excitement among cricket fans is at an all-time high. With teams making strategic changes, strengthening their squads, and gearing up for the mega event, expectations are soaring. The upcoming season promises thrilling encounters, high-pressure moments, and intense rivalries as franchises battle it out for the coveted trophy.

    As the tournament nears, the round of predictions has begun, with fans and cricket experts weighing in on their favorites for the season. Several analysts have started picking their semifinalists and potential winners, sparking discussions across social media and cricketing platforms.

    Michael Vaughan names the winner of IPL 2025

    Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made an early prediction for IPL 2025, backing Mumbai Indians (MI) as the strongest contender to lift the trophy. According to Vaughan, the Hardik Pandya-led side appears to be the most balanced team in the tournament and has the potential to go all the way.

    In a video shared by Cricbuzz, Vaughan confidently picked Mumbai as his title favorite, saying, “Mumbai Indians under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya looks like the strongest team and can win the trophy this time.”

    However, Vaughan, known for his bold predictions, took a lighthearted approach by acknowledging his track record with past predictions. Smiling in the video, he added, “Many of my predictions prove wrong, so let’s see what happens this time.”

    Also READ: CSK or MI? Brett Lee picks the possible winner of IPL 2025

    A strong side aiming for another title

    Mumbai Indians are one of the most successful franchise in IPL history, having lifted the trophy five times. They have consistently been among the top-performing teams in the tournament, boasting a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent.

    With Pandya now at the helm, MI will be aiming to add a sixth IPL title to their illustrious record. The all-rounder, who previously led Gujarat Titans to IPL glory in 2022, will look to bring his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen to guide Mumbai to another championship.

    As the tournament unfolds, it will be interesting to see if Vaughan’s prediction turns out to be accurate or if another team emerges as the dark horse of IPL 2025.

    Also READ: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians (MI) announces replacement for South Africa’s Lizaad Williams

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  • IPL 2025: Ryan Rickelton vs Will Jacks! Hardik Pandya makes revelation on Rohit Sharma’s opening partner

    IPL 2025: Ryan Rickelton vs Will Jacks! Hardik Pandya makes revelation on Rohit Sharma’s opening partner

    Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya talked about who will be opening the innings for the franchise alongside Rohit Sharma in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He said that they would take the call based on the needs of the team.

    Mumbai Indians will be entering into the IPL 2025 as one of the favorites to win the league. The Hardik Pandya-led side has a lot of match-winners in the team, and it’s fair to say if they play to their potential, no one can stop them from winning the tournament.

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    Mumbai Indians have an Indian core of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, along with other superstars. The five-time champions have all the bases covered from top to bottom, and they now would be hoping to execute their plans to perfection.

    We will take a call depending on what the team needs – Hardik Pandya on Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for IPL 2025

    Former skipper Rohit Sharma will be opening the innings, but there is no clarity on who will be there with him at the top. They have options in Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, but so far, there seems to be no clarity on who will start in the XI.

    Skipper Pandya also didn’t reveal who will be there with Rohit Sharma. Speaking to reporters ahead of the start of the season, he said: “We will take a call depending on what the team needs.”

    I like to play according to the situation – Hardik Pandya

    Pandya also talked about his batting position, saying that he likes to play according to situations. He stressed that he has taken away specific batting number from his game. He added:

    “Batting order – I have never taken that much into my cricket. I like to play according to the situation. Specific batting number has gone from my game, if my team needs me to bat at 4 or 7, I am okay with that!”

    With this group, considering the talent, we will look ahead to enjoy the games – Hardik Pandya

    Hardik Pandya further talked about the strategy of the team for the IPL 2025. He said that he has told his team to play good cricket and do the process right. He added:

    “Just play good cricket. Being with each other at the same point in time. Doing the processes right. Go and execute. With this group, considering the talent, we will look ahead to enjoy the games.”

    Pandya will be missing the first game of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians due to the ban that he faced last year for maintaining a slow over rate. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the team in the first game.

    Mumbai Indians will be opening their campaign in the IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (23rd March).

    Read Also: Shaheen Afridi? Salman Agha demanded the ‘Toxic’ player’s axing for NZ T20Is, but PCB refused

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  • Fans and experts go wild as Rohit Sharma’s masterclass seals India’s Champions Trophy 2025 title win against New Zealand

    Fans and experts go wild as Rohit Sharma’s masterclass seals India’s Champions Trophy 2025 title win against New Zealand

    India etched their name in history as they clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title, securing a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rohit Sharma led from the front with a scintillating 76 off 83 balls, setting the perfect platform for India’s chase of 252. Despite a late surge from New Zealand’s spinners, India held their nerves, with KL Rahul (34) and Ravindra Jadeja (9) steering the team home in the final over. The triumph marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, cementing their dominance in global cricket.

    Rohit Sharma’s aggressive knock lays the foundation for India’s chase

    Chasing a competitive 252, Rohit came out with intent, attacking the Kiwi pacers early to ensure India remained in control. His 105-run partnership with Shubman Gill (31 off 50) provided India with a commanding start. Rohit played with authority, dispatching seven boundaries and three sixes, nullifying the threat of New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers.

    However, just when India seemed to be cruising, New Zealand clawed back into the contest. Gill fell to a moment of brilliance from Glenn Phillips, and Virat Kohli‘s stay was short-lived, dismissed lbw by Michael Bracewell for just 1 run. Rohit’s departure at 122/3 in the 26th over further shifted the momentum, putting India under slight pressure.

    At this crucial juncture, Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62) and Axar Patel (29 off 40) stepped up, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket ensured India remained on track, resisting the spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. Though Iyer and Patel fell in quick succession, Rahul (34 off 33) and Jadeja (9 off 6) displayed composure under pressure, taking India home with six balls to spare.

    Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Shubman Gill in Champions Trophy 2025 final clash

    India’s bowlers shine to restrict New Zealand to 251

    After losing the toss, India produced a clinical bowling performance, preventing New Zealand from posting a formidable total on a slow Dubai surface. Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were exceptional, dismantling the Kiwi middle order and stifling their scoring rate.

    New Zealand got off to a promising start, with Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23) ensuring an aggressive powerplay. But Kuldeep’s magic delivery to bowl Ravindra triggered a slowdown, and Kane Williamson (11) soon followed suit, dismissed by the left-arm wrist spinner.

    Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) stood firm, anchoring the innings, but struggled to accelerate against India’s disciplined spin attack. Tom Latham (14 off 30) and Phillips (34 off 52) chipped in, but wickets at regular intervals meant New Zealand couldn’t build strong partnerships.

    Bracewell (53 off 40) played a counter-attacking knock, smashing three fours and two sixes to push New Zealand past 250. However, with Mohammed Shami (1/74) and Pandya (0/30 in 3 overs) proving expensive, India’s spinners ensured the Kiwis never gained full momentum. Jadeja (1/30 in 10 overs) was outstanding, applying relentless pressure in the middle overs. New Zealand’s total of 251/7 was competitive but not enough to challenge India’s deep batting lineup. With this victory, India continued their dominance in ICC events, securing their third Champions Trophy title, adding to their 2002 (joint-winners) and 2013 triumphs.

    Here’s how fans and experts reacted:

    Also READ: Hardik Pandya’s rumoured girlfriend Jasmin Walia attends Champions Trophy 2025 final, pics go viral



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  • Champions Trophy 2025: Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand

    Champions Trophy 2025: Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand

    India produced a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 44 runs in their final Group A  Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing their place at the top of the group. Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul (5/42) as India successfully defended a target of 250 runs. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 and Hardik Pandya’s late surge (45 off 45) helped India post a competitive 249/9. Despite Kane Williamson’s fighting knock of 81, New Zealand faltered against India’s well-rounded bowling attack.

    Shreyas Iyer steadies India after top-order collapse

    After being put in to bat, India suffered an early setback, losing Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11) inside the powerplay as Matt Henry’s fiery spell (5/42) left them reeling at 30/3 in the seventh over. However, Iyer and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) rebuilt the innings with a crucial 98-run partnership, navigating New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Iyer mixed caution with aggression, reaching his half-century in 75 balls before accelerating. However, he missed out on a century after falling to Will O’Rourke (1/47). Hardik then played a counter-attacking knock, hitting four fours and two sixes to push India past 240 before they ended at 249/9 in 50 overs.

    Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket magic dismantles New Zealand

    New Zealand’s chase started cautiously, but Chakravarthy changed the game with a brilliant spell of 5/42, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Will Young (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) fell early, before Williamson and Daryl Mitchell (17) steadied the innings. However, Kuldeep Yadav (1/40) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) applied pressure, leading to a collapse in the middle overs. Williamson fought hard but was stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel in the 41st over, leaving New Zealand at 169/7. The tailenders failed to counter Chakravarthy’s sharp spin, and New Zealand was eventually restricted to 184/7 in 43 overs, falling short by 65 runs.

    Also WATCH: Axar Patel dents New Zealand’s chase by removing Kane Williamson in the Champions Trophy 2025

    India sets up Champions Trophy 2025  semifinal clash against Australia

    With this victory, India finished as Group A toppers and will now face arch-rivals in recent times, Australia in the semifinal on March 4 in Dubai, setting up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on Group B toppers South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on March 5. India’s dominant bowling performance, led by Chakravarthy, showcased their strength in defending totals, a key aspect heading into the knockout stage. The team will take confidence from their balanced squad, with both batters and bowlers stepping up at crucial moments. With Australia posing a significant challenge, India will need another all-round effort to book their place in the final and keep their dream of lifting the Champions Trophy alive.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also WATCH: Kane Williamson’s stunning one-handed catch stuns India in the Champions Trophy 2025



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  • Watch: Hardik Pandya’s pathetic drop leaves Rohit Sharma fuming in IND vs BAN CT 2025 clash

    Watch: Hardik Pandya’s pathetic drop leaves Rohit Sharma fuming in IND vs BAN CT 2025 clash

    India National Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma has become the spotlight in the ongoing game against Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

    Even though the India National Cricket Team have asserted their authority in the ongoing game against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team, they have had an extremely poor day on the field. It was the first skipper, Rohit Sharma, who dropped a dolly to give life to Jaker Ali and then Hardik Pandya dropped one.

    Rohit Sharma drops an easy catch in slips to deny Axar Patel his first-ever hat-trick for India

    The first one was more than a catch as Axar Patel was on the hat-trick and it came as a huge moment. India skipper Rohit Sharma looked extremely dejected and frustrated with it but immediately apologized to the spinner for missing the catch.

    While the moment was fresh in the minds of many, the India National Cricket Team came up with another dropped catch, and this time, it came from Hardik Pandya. It was Towhid Hridoy who got a second life as Kuldeep Yadav was denied his first wicket.

    Kuldeep Yadav bowled a tossed-up delivery that was full outside off, Towhid Hridoy got forward and smashed it flat and to the right of Hardik Pandya, who was at mid-off. The all-rounder went in with hard hands but couldn’t take it as the ball popped out.

    Hardik Pandya went to grab it the conventional way and dropped it. Skipper Rohit Sharma wasn’t happy with it as he just watched on glumly.

    Watch: Rohit Sharma extremely unhappy as Hardik Pandya drops catch of Towhid Hridoy

    Here’s the video:

    India National Cricket Team has been sensational with the ball against Bangladesh in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash

    While the fielding has been poor, India National Cricket Team has been sensational with the ball in the ongoing game. It was Mohammed Shami who took the team off to a flyer with the wicket in the first and 7th over, while Harshit Rana chipped in during the second over to jolt Bangladesh early.

    Axar Patel also bagged two wickets in a single over and has been extremely tidy with the ball. Bangladesh National Cricket Team was left tottering at 35/5, but after that, Jaker Ali, along with Towhid Hridoy, batted extremely well. They soaked in all the pressure and led the rescue charge with a mature batting effort, rotating the strike and hitting timely boundaries.

    Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy have stitched over fifty-plus partnerships and would be keen to carry on and score big for Bangladesh. India, on the other hand, would be keen to end their innings under 200 and win the game by a big margin to boost their NRR, which might come in handy in the later stage of the tournament.

    Watch: Rohit Sharma drops hat-trick catch, apologizes to Axar Patel and explodes in anger



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  • Netizens go berserk as Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana lead India to a series-clinching win over England in 4th T20I

    Netizens go berserk as Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana lead India to a series-clinching win over England in 4th T20I

    India registered a hard-fought 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, sealing the series 3-1 with one match to spare. After posting 181/9, India’s bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi and debutant Harshit Rana, delivered a clinical performance to bowl out England for 166 in 19.4 overs. This win marked India’s 17th consecutive T20I series triumph at home, further reinforcing their dominance in the shortest format. Notably, Harshit was introduced as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the second innings, a move that proved decisive in India’s favour.

    Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya’s counterattack rescues India from top-order collapse

    India’s batting innings began on a disastrous note, with the hosts reeling at 12/3 within two overs. Saqib Mahmood’s triple strike sent Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion for ducks, while Sanju Samson managed just one run before perishing. However, Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh attempted a partial recovery before the duo of Dube and Hardik Pandya turned the tide. Dube’s 53 off 34 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, provided much-needed stability, while Pandya’s explosive 53 off 30 balls, laced with four fours and four sixes, ensured India reached a competitive 181/9 despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

    Also READ: Triple-wicket maiden: England pacer Saqib Mahmood achieves a unique feat in the 4th T20I against India

    Ravi Bishnoi and Harshit Rana star as England falter in chase

    Chasing 182, England got off to a flying start, with Ben Duckett’s 19-ball 39 propelling them to 62/1 in the powerplay. However, Bishnoi’s twin strikes removed Duckett and captain Jos Buttler in quick succession, putting India back in control. Harry Brook fought back with a blistering 51 off 26 balls, but wickets continued to tumble at crucial junctures. Debutant Rana, brought in as a concussion substitute, made an instant impact by dismissing Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, before cleaning up Jamie Overton to finish with 3/33. Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh also claimed crucial wickets, ensuring that England fell 15 runs short of the target.

    Here’s how netizens reacted:

    Also READ: Michael Vaughan predicts the winner and scoreline of IND vs ENG T20I series



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  • IND vs ENG 2025: Parthiv Patel slams Hardik Pandya for taking too long to settle during Rajkot T20I

    IND vs ENG 2025: Parthiv Patel slams Hardik Pandya for taking too long to settle during Rajkot T20I

    In the third T20I of the five-match series between England and India, the host nation succumbed to a 26-run defeat. The match, played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, saw India falter in their chase of England’s total. Despite a valiant effort from Hardik Pandya, who top-scored for India, former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel criticized Pandya’s slow start and failure to rotate the strike effectively.

    Hardik Pandya’s knock and dismissal

    In the penultimate over of India’s chase, the pressure was mounting as the required run rate soared. With 41 runs needed from just 12 balls, Pandya attempted to accelerate the chase but was dismissed by Jamie Overton. The England pacer bowled a full delivery aimed at the stumps, and Pandya, looking to clear the long-off boundary, lost his shape while executing an aerial lofted shot. The ball found the safe hands of England’s captain, Jos Buttler, ending Pandya’s innings at 40 runs off 35 balls. His knock included one four and two sixes.

    Parthiv Patel criticizes Pandya’s approach

    former Indian batter Patel criticized Pandya’s slow start in the chase, stating that taking 20-25 balls to settle created unnecessary pressure on the other Indian batters. He emphasized that while it’s fine not to play big shots, it’s important to rotate the strike and avoid playing multiple dot balls in a row.

    “I thought when you are taking your time you want to get used to the pace and bounce of the pitch. But you cannot take 20-25 balls to get settled. So that put pressure on the other batters as well. If you don’t want to play those big shots, that’s okay, but you still have to keep on rotating the strike. You can’t play three or four dot balls in a row,” Parthiv told Star Sports.

    Also READ: Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

    The impact of dot balls: Patel calls for more rotation of strike

    Patel highlighted the importance of  Pandya rotating the strike effectively, even when not hitting big shots early. He pointed out that failing to find singles during a crucial chase adds pressure on other batters. The left-hand batter also noted that while Pandya might score 40 off 34 balls, the number of dot balls in his innings can create unnecessary pressure on teammates, suggesting that India should focus on maintaining good strike rotation.

    “And you might just see Hardik Pandya scoring 40 off 34 balls, but there are a number of dots in his innings that put pressure on the other batters as well. So, I think that’s something which India can think of. You take your time. Yes, it’s a low score, but you still have to keep rotating the strike as well with it,” the former opener concluded.

    Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy completes his five-wicket haul with double strike in an over | IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I

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  • Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

    Twitter reactions: England outsmart India in 3rd T20I to keep the series alive

    England defeated India by 26 runs in the 3rd T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot, to narrow the deficit in the five-match series to 2-1. Choosing to field first, India struggled to contain England’s power-hitters in form of Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone, while their batting faltered under the pressure of a challenging target of 172. England’s bowlers, led by Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer, capitalized on India’s struggles to keep the series alive.

    England’s resilient batting sets the stage

    England posted a competitive 171/9 on the back of a crucial knock by Duckett (51 off 28), who displayed aggression and precision against India’s spinners. Supported by Livingstone’s fiery 43 off 24, the middle-order ensured England capitalized on the powerplay and middle overs. Jos Buttler (24 off 22) provided stability at the top but fell to a well-executed plan by Varun Chakravarthy, who was the pick of the bowlers with remarkable figures of 5/24.

    Chakravarthy’s guile dismantled England’s batting, picking wickets regularly and keeping their run rate in check. However, lower-order contributions from Adil Rashid and Mark Wood ensured England finished strongly despite losing wickets in clusters. India’s bowlers had a mixed day, with Ravi Bishnoi conceding 46 runs for one wicket and Hardik Pandya (2/33) offering occasional breakthroughs. Axar Patel (1/19) maintained control, but Washington Sundar and Mohammed Shami struggled, leaking runs under pressure.

    Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy completes his five-wicket haul with double strike in an over | IND vs ENG, 3rd T20I

    India’s batting collapse seals England’s victory

    Chasing 172, India’s innings never gained momentum, as regular wickets derailed their chase. The early loss of Sanju Samson (3) and Abhishek Sharma (24 off 14) in the powerplay added pressure. Suryakumar Yadav (14 off 7) looked promising with a quick cameo but fell to Mark Wood, while Tilak Varma (18 off 14) and Sundar (6 off 15) struggled to anchor the innings.

    Hardik (40 off 35) fought valiantly, but the lack of partnerships and rising required rate made the chase increasingly difficult. England’s bowlers, particularly Jamie Overton (3/23) and Jofra Archer (2/33), executed their plans to perfection, consistently striking at crucial junctures. Adil Rashid’s economical spell (1/15) applied pressure in the middle overs, leaving India with too much to do in the death overs. India’s tailenders offered little resistance as they ended at 146/9 in 20 overs. England’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured they stayed in contention for the series, setting up an intriguing battle in the final two games.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also READ: Indian batting coach defends Suryakumar Yadav despite his struggles in ongoing T20I series against England



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  • WATCH: Fans tease Rohit Sharma with Hardik…Hardik and Vadapao chants during Ranji Trophy

    WATCH: Fans tease Rohit Sharma with Hardik…Hardik and Vadapao chants during Ranji Trophy

    A video that has gone viral on social media purports to show a moment where fans of Hardik Pandya allegedly taunted Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma with chants of “Hardik…Hardik” and referred to him as “Vadapao” during a Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir.

    Questions arise about authenticity in viral video targeting Rohit Sharma

    The incident, captured in the video, shows Rohit, walking through a corridor, a place where fans typically do not have access during match times, suggesting the audio might have been edited or added later. The chants and remarks heard in the video are particularly notable as they come at a time when Rohit is attempting to regain form in the domestic cricket scene ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Rohit stays composed amid eyebrow raising chants

    In the footage, Rohit appears to be focused and undisturbed by the off-field noise, but the nature of the chants, especially “Vadapao” – a popular Mumbai street food, seemingly used here in a derogatory context – have sparked discussions across social media platforms about fan behavior and sportsmanship.

    As of now, there is no confirmation whether this audio was indeed from the match or if it was manipulated to create a narrative. The authenticity of the video remains under scrutiny.

    Here is the video:

    Also WATCH: Abid Mushtaq plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Rohit Sharma in Mumbai vs J&K Ranji Trophy clash

    Rohit’s disappointing comeback in Ranji Trophy

    Notably, Rohit’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly a decade was met with disappointment on the field. The right-handed batter, looking to rediscover his form ahead of the Champions Trophy, opened the batting for Mumbai against Jammu & Kashmir. However, his performance was underwhelming; in the first innings, Rohit managed only 3 runs off 19 balls, showing a struggle to find his rhythm. His second innings was slightly better but still short of expectations, scoring 28 runs off 35 balls, before being caught out. These scores reflect a challenging comeback for Rohit, adding pressure as he aims to return to his best form in domestic cricket.

    Also READ: J&K pacer Umar Nazir Mir reveals why he refused to celebrate the prized scalp of Mumbai’s Rohit Sharma in Ranji Trophy



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