IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Registers An Unwanted Record As Gujarat Titans Edge Past Mumbai Indians In A Thriller

In what turned out to be one of the most heart-stopping encounters of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) locked horns with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 56 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on May 6. With both teams jostling for playoff contention, this high-stakes clash delivered an unforgettable mix of rain drama, individual brilliance, and a captain’s nightmare that ended MI’s winning streak at home.

But even amidst the late fireworks and emotional swings, the match will be remembered less for Gujarat’s gritty three-wicket win and more for the unraveling of MI skipper Hardik Pandya in one of the most erratic overs in IPL history. In a DLS-adjusted chase, Hardik delivered an 11-ball over that not only handed momentum to Gujarat but also etched his name into an unwanted record book.

The Stage Was Set: A Packed Wankhede and High Stakes

The atmosphere at Wankhede was electric. Mumbai had returned to form after a shaky start to the season, and the fans were turning up in droves, their chants echoing across the stands. Gujarat, meanwhile, had been inconsistent but were showing signs of resurgence at just the right time.

When the toss went Gujarat’s way, captain Shubman Gill elected to bowl first under overcast skies, clearly anticipating the potential rain interruptions. The decision turned out to be a strategic masterstroke.

Mumbai’s Top Order Falters, Middle Order Offers Resistance

Batting first, Mumbai’s innings never really got going. Rohit Sharma, still searching for consistency, was dismissed for just 7. His opening partner Ryan Rickelton fared no better, managing only 2 before falling to a beautiful delivery from Umesh Yadav. The early jolts brought Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav together, and for a brief while, the two threatened to take control.

Jacks was the aggressor, smashing boundaries with flair, and brought up a well-crafted half-century (53 off 36), while Suryakumar Yadav provided stability with his 35. Together, they added 78 runs, giving Mumbai hope of a strong total.

However, Gujarat clawed back. Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan spun a web around the middle order. Ishan Kishan, Tim David, and Shams Mulani departed cheaply. It was only a late cameo from Corbin Bosch (22* off 10) that helped Mumbai reach a fighting total of 155 in their allotted 20 overs.

Rain Interruptions and a Revised Chase

Just as Gujarat’s chase began, the heavens opened up. A frustrating rain delay ensued, reducing the target to 147 runs from 17 overs. The DLS-adjustment made the equation trickier, especially on a pitch that had slowed down.

Gujarat began cautiously. Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill were wary of MI’s pace attack. Nuwan Thushara bowled with discipline, and Piyush Chawla’s experience kept the pressure intact. Early wickets kept the Titans on the back foot, with Saha falling to Mulani and Sai Sudharsan dismissed cheaply.

As the scoreboard pressure mounted and rain clouds lingered ominously, Gujarat desperately needed a spark.

Hardik Pandya’s 11-Ball Over: A Spell to Forget

It was in the 8th over of the innings that Hardik Pandya brought himself into the attack—a decision that proved catastrophic. With Gujarat still behind on the DLS par score, MI had the upper hand. But what followed was a moment of madness.

Hardik began the over well with three legal deliveries. However, what followed was chaos. He bowled two no-balls and three wides in the span of the next few deliveries. Shubman Gill seized the opportunity, launching one delivery deep into the stands.

By the end of the over, Hardik had conceded 18 runs in 11 balls. The long, erratic over not only released the pressure but crucially shifted the DLS par in Gujarat’s favour at a critical moment.

Hardik, visibly shaken, was not given another over. Speaking after the match, he said, “Bowling no-balls in a crunch game is a crime. It hurts the team. I take full responsibility.”

This over earned Pandya an unwanted record: he became the fifth bowler in IPL history to deliver an 11-ball over, joining a list of:

Shardul Thakur – LSG vs KKR, 2025
Sandeep Sharma – RR vs DC, 2025
Tushar Deshpande – CSK vs LSG, 2023
Mohammed Siraj – RCB vs MI, 2023

Gujarat’s Nerve-Holding Chase

Post-Pandya’s horror over, the dynamics of the match changed. The Titans suddenly had the breathing room to plan their innings, and with Gill anchoring steadily, they began to chip away at the target.

Gill eventually fell for a valiant 46, but by then, Gujarat were well ahead of the DLS par. Rahul Tewatia and Abhinav Manohar contributed crucial runs as the chase approached its climax. MI kept fighting—Thushara returned to claim wickets, and Tim David nearly pulled off a blinder at the boundary—but the damage had already been done.

With two balls to spare, Rashid Khan punched the winning runs through cover, sealing a memorable win for Gujarat and silencing a stunned Wankhede crowd.

Fallout and Repercussions

The defeat not only ended Mumbai’s unbeaten run at home but also threw their playoff aspirations into a more complicated territory. More crucially, it has put immense scrutiny on Hardik Pandya’s leadership and form.

Since returning to MI as captain amid much fanfare and replacing Rohit Sharma, Hardik has had a roller-coaster season. His leadership has faced criticism, and his individual performances have fluctuated wildly. This over might just be the tipping point for fans and critics alike.

For Gujarat, the win was as symbolic as it was strategic. After an inconsistent run, this victory against a high-profile opponent on their turf could inject vital momentum as the tournament enters its final stretch.

Statistical Highlights

Will Jacks: 53 off 36 balls (MI)
Suryakumar Yadav: 35 off 29 (MI)
Shubman Gill: 46 off 34 (GT)
Hardik Pandya: 1 over, 11 balls, 18 runs, 3 wides, 2 no-balls (MI)
Rain Delay: Reduced GT target to 147 in 17 overs (DLS method)

What Lies Ahead?

With the playoff race heating up, both teams have little room for error. Mumbai will need to regroup quickly and find solutions, especially in how they handle pressure moments. Gujarat, on the other hand, will look to build on this emotional high and solidify their position in the top four.

As for Hardik Pandya, the spotlight will only intensify. With his place in India’s T20 World Cup squad also under the scanner, every game hereafter will be a test of character as much as skill.

In the end, IPL 2025 may offer countless dramatic moments, but this clash at Wankhede—with rain, records, and redemption arcs—will remain etched as one of the most thrilling chapters of the season.

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