Following Mumbai Indians’ 31-run defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad, newly-appointed captain Hardik Pandya delivered an inspiring speech to his team in the dressing room. Despite SRH posting a record-breaking total of 277 for 3, Mumbai Indians displayed resilience in their reply, hitting 38 sixes, setting another IPL record, but ultimately ending at 246 for 5 in their 20 overs.

“The toughest soldiers get the toughest test and we are the toughest team in the competition. Anyone who could have come even close to where we reached as a batting group are us.” said Hardik in a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media.

The bowlers of both the sides had a poor outing, especially those of Mumbai Indians. “Something that I am really proud of is our bowlers. Even when the day was tough, I didn’t see anyone running away. Everyone wanted the ball (in their hands), I think that’s a good sight,” said Hardik.

“Let’s make sure we help each other throughout, whatever happens, worst, bad, good, we will manage it together. And we will be together.”

Pandya urged his team to support each other through thick and thin, emphasizing unity regardless of the circumstances. Despite facing scrutiny over his captaincy in the first two games of IPL 2024 and being yet to secure a win for Mumbai Indians, Pandya remains determined to lead his team to success.

In their opening game against Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians suffered a narrow six-run loss, followed by a 31-run defeat against SunRisers Hyderabad in their second game of IPL 2024.