Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to mark his 100th appearance for Mumbai Indians (MI) as they face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday. In a thrilling clash between two formidable batting sides, RR will host MI for the second time in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season at their home ground. This match will conclude RR’s fixtures in Jaipur this season, having secured victories in three out of their four previous encounters at this venue.
Big challenge awaits 💥 pic.twitter.com/jGej0DfKzb
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) April 21, 2024
RR secured a remarkable two-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous match last week. Meanwhile, MI emerged victorious by nine runs against Punjab Kings in their recent outing at Mohali on Thursday.
At present, RR maintains its lead in the IPL 2024 standings with 12 points and a net run rate of 0.677, having won six matches and suffered only one defeat. On the other hand, MI has played seven matches in the current season, winning three and losing four, placing them sixth in the IPL standings with six points and a net run rate of -0.133.
Hardik, who rejoined the Blue and Gold franchise this season after a successful stint with Gujarat Titans, will don the MI jersey for the 100th time. Pandya was part of MI from 2015 to 2021, contributing significantly to their championship victories in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Subsequently, he represented Gujarat Titans from 2022 to 2023, clinching the title for them in their inaugural season.
Hardik Pandya For Mumbai Indians
In his 99 matches for MI, Pandya has amassed 1,617 runs at an average of 26.95 and a strike rate of 153.27, including four half-centuries, with his highest score being 91*. Additionally, he has taken 46 wickets, with the best figures of 3/20.
During his tenure with Gujarat, he accumulated 833 runs in 31 matches at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate of 133.49, registering six fifties, with his highest score being 87*. Moreover, he claimed 11 wickets for the franchise, with the best bowling figures of 3/17.
Overall, in his IPL career spanning 130 matches, Pandya has scored 2,450 runs at an average of 29.88 and a strike rate exceeding 145, with 10 half-centuries to his name. Additionally, he has picked up 57 wickets, with the best bowling figures of 3/17.
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