"Hardik Pandya makes sure India sleeps peacefully tonight" - Twitterati is elated as MI all-rounder comes back into form with a match-winning knock against PBKS

After three consecutive losses in the second half of the IPL, Mumbai Indians finally registered a win by defeating Punjab Kings in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Sourabh Tiwary (45) and Hardik Pandya (40) played starring roles in the chase and shepherded MI towards the target.

Hardik Pandya's return to form with the bat was a huge sigh of relief for the Indian fans as his form is vital for the Indian team in the upcoming 2021 T20 World Cup. Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav's dismal run continued as he departed for a golden duck today. Ravi Bishnoi castled him out with a beauty.

Fans were elated to witness vintage Hardik Pandya finish in the chase and took to Twitter to express their views on the development. MI fans were also delighted to see their side get off the mark in the UAE leg of the IPL 2021.

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Here are some of the best reactions:

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"It was important for Hardik Pandya to spend the time in the middle": Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma was relieved to witness MI finally ceasing its three-match losing streak courtesy of a win against PBKS. Rohit frankly admitted that they had not performed up to their standards in the last few games.

He reserved special praise for Hardik Pandya for finishing the game with a blazing knock and for also showing good game awareness skills in the chase. Speaking at the post-match conference, Rohit Sharma said:

"We agree that we didn't play to our potential, but it's a long tournament, and we need to stick to our plans. Reading the situation is very important, and we can take a lot of confidence from that.

'It is important not to lose the guard. The way Hardik understood the situation was very crucial from a team's perspective. It was important for him to spend the time in the middle as he's coming back from an injury."

On Kieron Pollard's crucial all-round contribution against PBKS, Rohit said:

"Pollard is one of our key players. He has been a crucial part of the MI side for so many years. He will be very happy to receive the 'Man of the Match' award for his bowling performance."

Mumbai Indians are currently in fifth position in the IPL points table behind KKR. Interestingly, MI and KKR have 10 points apiece, but KKR is ahead in the points table due to their superior net run rate.