A relieved Hardik Pandya credited ‘impact sub’ Karn Sharma for showing a lot of heart to fashion Mumbai Indians’ 12-run win against Delhi Capitals in Delhi on Sunday, a result that helped the visitors get their IPL campaign back on track.
DC were cruising at 119 for one just after the halfway stage but were eventually bowled out for 193 in 19 overs, with spinner Karn playing a pivotal role by taking three wickets for 36 runs.
It was skipper Rohit Sharma who suggested to coach Mahela Jayawardene to bring Karn into the attack and also requested a ball change after the 11th over.
“Absolutely. Winning is always special. Especially in games like this. You have to keep fighting and it means a lot,” said Pandya at the post-match presentation when asked if he felt relieved after MI secured only their second win of the season.
“(Karn was) Fantastic. Coming in and bowling the way he bowled, showed a lot of heart, especially at a small ground like that.”
Karun Nair’s whirlwind 89 went in vain, and Pandya admitted the knock took them by surprise.
“We were running out of options regarding what to bowl at him. The way he took on our bowlers, took his chances, and the way he executed — it shows the hard work he has put in. I think he took us by surprise.”
DC batters suffered a dramatic collapse that included three successive run outs, ending their chase at 193.
“I always believe fielding is something that can change the game upside down. We were switched on, didn’t give up, and they got the chances and converted.
