Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) were seen in action in the 12th match of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday, March 31.

Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, Mumbai Indians won against the Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets with 43 balls remaining at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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Very satisfying to win, especially at home – Hardik Pandya

Mumbai Indians opted to bowl first in the match, and debutant Ashwani Kumar’s 4-wicket haul combined with other bowlers’ great performance saw KKR being bowled out for 116 runs. With the bat, Ryan Rickelton smashed a sensational half-century and Suryakumar Yadav played an explosive innings to help MI complete the run-chase in 12.5 overs.

Speaking after the match, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya said that he was quite satisfied with the way things panned out in the match. He stated:

“Very satisfying to win, especially at home. The way we did it, as a group, everyone chipped in – can’t be happier. It’s always a challenge of picking one guy here and there.

“With our team it’s pretty sorted with the players who we are backing. This wicket just offered a bit more and we thought Ashwani can come in and bowl the way he bowled.”

All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids – Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya also lauded Ashwani Kumar and credited the famous MI scout team for unearthing a new pace-bowling sensation. He further said that he was delighted that most of the players chipped in for MI. Hardik Pandya elaborated:

“First of all, it’s all because of the scouts. All MI scouts have gone all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game and it looked like he had that zip and late swing, had a different action and plus he is a leftie.

“The way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket. And especially, how he started with that catch of Quinton. Was great to see a fast bowler jumping that high. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a great sign for everyone to chip in and kick off the tournament for us.”

How did MI perform in the previous IPL match against KKR?

Mumbai Indians (MI) struggled in their previous IPL outing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 11, 2024 and lost by 18 runs at Eden Gardens.

Chasing a score of 158 in the rain-reduced 16-over-per-side match, MI got off to a promising start thanks to Ishan Kishan’s explosive 40 runs off 22 balls.

However, his dismissal triggered a slowdown, with Rohit Sharma (19 off 24) failing to accelerate. Suryakumar Yadav (11 off 14) and Hardik Pandya (2 off 4) also fell cheaply, leaving MI in a spot of bother.

Tilak Varma (32 off 17) kept hopes alive, and Naman Dhir’s quickfire 17 off 6 added some excitement, but eventually, they were unable to get the job done as the KKR bowlers were accurate with their lines and lengths and restricted Mumbai Indians to 139/8.

Earlier with the ball, Team Mumbai Indians did a decent job. Jasprit Bumrah (2/39) and Piyush Chawla (2/28) were effective, but KKR’s aggressive batting unit, especially Venkatesh Iyer (42 off 21), made things tough for the 5-time champions, and the Knight Riders finished with a score of 157/7.