Hardik Pandya never gives up, good to see his turnaround in IPL 2025: Ajay Jadeja
Hardik Pandya soaked in the roar of a rapturous Wankhede as he led Mumbai Indians' lap of honour on Wednesday, May 21. The MI captain was all smiles, celebrating a resounding 59-run win over Delhi Capitals that sealed their spot in the IPL 2025 play-offs. It was a moment of redemption and resurgence and Hardik stood proudly at the heart of it.advertisementFollowing a high-profile transfer from Gujarat Titans, Hardik had taken over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma — a fan favourite. When results didn't go MI's way in 2024, it was Hardik who bore the brunt of the backlash as MI finished bottom of the table.IPL 2025: MI vs DC Highlights
But Hardik did not throw in the towel. The pressure mounted once again this season after MI lost four of their first five matches. However, the five-time champions staged a stunning comeback, winning seven of their next eight games to storm into the play-offs in style.Throughout the season, Hardik has remained content to stay in the background, focused on getting the best out of a star-studded squad. On Wednesday, they delivered under pressure, displaying the composure of a team accustomed to big-match scenarios.CAPTAIN COOLadvertisementFormer India batter Ajay Jadeja heaped praise on Hardik's leadership, noting that the all-rounder hasn't altered his captaincy style but has simply managed his team more effectively this time around.Hardik has already proved his credentials, having led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023. Now, he'll be aiming to guide Mumbai Indians to a record sixth championship.'Hardik has been fabulous. He has got the energy. He has got a different style of captaining. Unfortunately, last season wasn't a success. He has kept his cool. He has carried on the way he captains, whether he was at GT, whether it was last year,' Jadeja told JioStar.'He is an excellent motivator. He is one man who has shown he never gives up. Yes, there is an excellent analytical team out there who is helping him out. But the energy that he brings in!'It's lovely to see, for a man who has had such a tough time last year — with the same team, same ground, same fans — he has turned it around. The same fans at this ground were booing him last year; now they are cheering for him. That shows his character. You want to always have a leader like him — not just when you're winning, but when you are losing as well.'BETTER BOWLING GROUP, BETTER RESULTSadvertisementJadeja also pointed out that Hardik has benefitted from a vastly improved bowling line-up in IPL 2025, so much so that the captain himself hasn't needed to bowl in most games.While Jasprit Bumrah carried much of the bowling burden last season with 20 wickets in 13 matches, this year he has found ample support from Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner and Deepak Chahar. The trio have collectively picked up 37 wickets, while Hardik himself has chipped in with 13.'The results have come his way this year. I think he has got a better bowling attack this year. So that makes a big difference.'A man who bowls for India and plays as a pure bowler is not even required. That's the kind of arsenal that has been put around him. A captain is always as good as his team.'Mumbai Indians will now look to finish in the top two and earn themselves an extra shot at reaching the final. Their final league fixture will be against Punjab Kings on Monday in Jaipur.advertisementWith MI, PBKS, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans completing the line-up, the play-offs race for IPL 2025 is officially over — and the business end beckons.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Must Watch
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