Hardik Pandya braved seven stitches to be match-ready against Rajasthan Royals

Hardik Pandya showcased extraordinary grit and leadership as he led Mumbai Indians to a thumping 100-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, even while nursing a painful eye injury. The MI skipper’s brave all-around performance at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium not only inspired his team but also catapulted them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. Despite suffering a serious injury just days before the high-stakes match, Pandya defied the odds and delivered a captain’s knock when it mattered most.

Freak Injury in Training

Pandya’s troubles began ahead of the game during a practice session when he attempted a sweep shot against a local spinner. The ball ricocheted off awkwardly and struck him directly in the eye. The injury was severe enough to require seven stitches, causing significant discomfort and concern within the MI camp. However, the all-rounder decided not to sit out. Donning a protective pair of glasses and with his eye bandaged, Pandya took the field with a fierce sense of purpose.

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Captain’s Knock Under Pressure

Batting at number four, Pandya turned adversity into aggression. He unleashed a blazing 48 runs off just 23 deliveries, a knock studded with six boundaries and a towering six. His fearless approach allowed Mumbai to post a dominant total and set the tone for the evening. His innings came at a crucial juncture, steadying MI after early wickets and building towards a powerful finish.

All-Round Heroics and a Game-Changing Partnership

Pandya didn’t just shine with the bat. He rolled his arm over for an over and dismissed Rajasthan’s impact player, Shubham Dubey, for just two runs — a breakthrough that helped dismantle RR’s fragile chase.

He was ably supported by Suryakumar Yadav, who matched his captain stroke for stroke with an unbeaten 48 off 23 balls. The duo stitched together a blistering 97-run partnership in just 44 balls, taking the game out of RR’s reach.

Rajasthan Royals Collapse Under Pressure

In reply, the Royals crumbled under scoreboard pressure and were skittled out for just 117 runs. Mumbai’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, maintaining tight lines and length and not allowing any of the RR batters to settle.

A Statement Win

With this emphatic win, Mumbai Indians made a strong statement to the rest of the league. And at the heart of it was a captain who battled pain, injury, and pressure and emerged victorious. Pandya’s display of courage and skill was not just a performance for the match but a defining moment of IPL 2025.