IPL 2018, KKR vs MI: 5 players to look forward to

Hardik Pandya

It was evident at the start of this year’s IPL that the fortunes of the MI franchise will depend on the performance of their star all-rounders Hardik and Krunal Pandya. As not only are both destructive batsmen, both can bowl four overs and are fantastic in the field too.

With the big man Kieron Pollard failing miserably in this year's IPL, the pressure has increased on Hardik Pandya’s shoulders to score runs quickly and bowl his quota of overs well. He started this IPL slowly, but in the past few games has taken on the responsibility very well and has delivered both with the bat and ball.

He has scored 169 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 128.03, but it’s his bowling which has ensured MI’s resurgence in the last few matches. In a crunch situation. Hardik Pandya- the bowler has delivered when it was required for his team.

He has got 14 wickets in 9 matches, putting him in line to get hold of the purple cap. With Jasprit Bumrah also finding full form in the past few games, MI look stronger and more balanced as a team.

They would certainly hope that Hardik Pandya’s all-round consistency will continue in the remainder of the four games starting tonight against KKR.