On MI's Loss vs CSK, Hardik's Huge 'Man Behind The Stumps' Take On Dhoni

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya praised MS Dhoni for his ability to read the game perfectly and said that there is a "man behind the stumps" who tells Chennai Super Kings what is working for them during any game. Following his team's loss against CSK in the IPL 2024 match on Sunday, Hardik said that MI were doing well during their 207-run chase but an impressive four-wicket haul for Matheesha Pathirana proved to be the turning point of the match and MI fell short by 20 runs in the encounter.

"It (target) was definitely gettable, but they bowled pretty well. Pathirana was the difference. They were smart with the plans and their approach. They got the hang of it, there's a man behind the stumps (Dhoni) who tells them what's working, and that helps. It (pitch) was holding up a bit and getting difficult."

"It was about batting well and keeping the intent. We were going quite well (in the run chase) till Pathirana came into the attack and took those two wickets. It was about what is best at that time, we could have done something different. I like to play percentage cricket, it would have been difficult for him (Dube) against seamers rather than spin. We are on the road for the next four games, need to play good cricket, need to keep the intensity high," Hardik said following the conclusion of the match.