Karun Nair had one of the best comebacks in IPL as he struck 89 off just 40 balls against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 13. Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya gave his insights on the incredible knock from the Vidarbha batter who came into the tournament after brilliant performances in domestic cricket and made an instant impact.
Nair last played an IPL match three years ago for the Rajasthan Royals in 2022. He made a perfect start on his comeback as he smashed 89 off 40 with the help of 12 fours and five sixes. Though the knock came in a losing cause, it was enough to surprise the opponents, who seemed clueless on how to stop Nair’s onslaught. Pandya praised Nair for his hardwork and admitted that at one stage, he ran out of options to stop him.
“Winning is always special. Especially in games like this. You have to keep fighting, and it means a lot. We were getting out of options of what to bowl at him. The way he took on our bowlers, took his chances, and the way he executed,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
Also Read: ‘He is world’s best bowler, had to be very watchful’ – Karun Nair on duel with Jasprit Bumrah
‘Keep fighting’ – Hardik Pandya reveals team’s mantra
Pandya also opened up on how his team fought till the end even when things seemed to be getting out of hands. He praised Player of the Match Karn Sharma for showing guts and bowling on attacking lines and lengths. The MI skipper added that the conditions were not easy for the bowlers with dew coming into play but the team kept the fight alive.
“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 chance,” Hardik added.
“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 concluded.
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