In a stunning display of dominance, the batters of Sunrisers Hyderabad overwhelmed the Mumbai Indians, setting a new record for the highest innings total in IPL history. SRH posted an impressive 277/3 in 20 overs in Hyderabad, surpassing RCB’s previous record of 263/5. Despite Mumbai’s best efforts to chase down the record total, they fell short by 31 runs. After this disappointing defeat, the MI were in need of some words of encouragement. Skipper Hardik took the lead and delivered a stirring speech in the dressing room. He was accompanied by mentor Sachin Tendulkar, who also offered words of encouragement.
“Toughest soldiers get the toughest test. And we are the toughest team in the competition,” said Pandya. “Anyone who would have come even close to where we reached, as a batting group or as just overall Mumbai Indians, is us. Something 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, and that’s a good sign. So let’s make sure that we help each other throughout whatever happens. Worst. Bad. Good. We will manage it together.”
After Pandya finished his encouraging speech, all players clapped in appreciation of the skipper’s words of wisdom. Amidst all the talk about internal rifts in the MI team, this is a welcome sign, and the video indicates that all is well within the MI camp.
Tendulkar, who plays an active role in the franchise as its mentor, is deeply involved in the team’s operations. While he typically maintains composure, the former captain is quick to boost team morale when necessary. Following the SRH match, MI players were in dire need of his uplifting presence.
“In the second half, in spite of scoring 277, 10 overs down the line nobody knew who was a clear winner. The game was very much open. The target was very much achievable,” said Tendulkar. “That’s a clear-cut sign that we’ve batted really well. So let’s stick together. Tighter. There are going to be tougher moments. We will stick together as a group and pull through.
Following a narrow loss to the Gujarat Titans, there was hope that MI would bounce back. But what transpired last evening in Hyderabad, no one saw it coming. It was a remarkable display of brutal power-hitting as SRH batters ripped MI’s bowlers to shreds. MI’s next game is against Rajasthan Royals on April 1.
🗣️ “Toughest soldiers get the toughest test” 💪
Sachin & Hardik with some inspiring words after #SRHvMI 💙#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/yTkPCcuXQB
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 28, 2024