IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya hails Karn Sharma, says takes character to pitch the ball up on a small ground

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya showered praise on Karn Sharma after they registered a 12-run win against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi in the ongoing IPL 2025 on Sunday. Defending a target of 206, MI was able to skittle out DC at 193 runs.

Sharma played a key role in the win, returning with figures of 3-36 in four overs he bowled. The leg-spinner accounted for KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel in his fine spell.

Pandya hailed the experienced spinner for being brave in his bowling and pitching the ball up to the batsmen despite bowling on a small ground.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “Shows great character, to be brave and toss it up when the boundaries are just 60m long. We never gave up, we kept saying we want to stay in the contest. Everyone put their hand up and we were able to hold on to our chances.”

Pandya added the idea was to give maximum balls to batters, who are in form. The all-rounder feels such a win will give them a lot of confidence as they had their backs against the wall.

Pandya continued, “Wanted to get the players in form to face the most balls. Dew played a big factor later on, it got very dewy. Just by making sure the game is not over, “keep fighting” was the chatter. We knew a couple of wickets would change the game. It has happened with me before as well, wins like this change the momentum and turn everything around.”

He continued, “Winning is always special, especially wins like this. He (Karun) was batting brilliantly, it seemed like it was going out of hand.”

Mumbai Indians will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday.