The opening match of IPL 2018 turned out to be a mini disaster for Mumbai Indians and India all-rounder Hardik Pandya after he was forced off the field after colliding with Chennai Super Kings’ Dwayne Bravo while batting in the the first innings in Mumbai.
Running hard for a two to mid-wicket off Bravo, Hardik – batting on 21 – turned in for a second but crashed into Bravo who was looking the other way at the bowler’s end. It was the last ball of the innings as Mumbai reached 165 for four.
Hardik was in considerable pain and had to be helped off the field. His fitness will be of great concern not only for Mumbai but the Indian team as well as he is a crucial member of the team in all formats with important tours of England and Australia line-up this year.
Hardik, surprisingly, bowled in Chennai’s chase and even picked up two wickets but struggled to walk properly throughout the night and then went off the field after bowling three overs.
Innings Break!@mipaltan 165/4 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 40, Krunal Pandya 41*)@ChennaiIPL need 166 runs to win this game #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/WXS1293hTW
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2018