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Mumbai Indians started their IPL 2024 campaign on a dismal note as the Hardik Pandya-led side faced two back-to-back defeats in the ongoing season, first, against Gujarat Titans, and s econd, against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The five-time IPL champions are led by Hardik Pandya, who was traded from Gujarat Titans for an all-cash deal ahead of the 17th season.
In their second fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai were chasing the humongous task of chasing 278 in a flat Uppal track. During the MI’s innings, a strange incident happened where the visitors' bowling coach Lasith Malinga was seen leaving the seat for Hardik Pandya which garnered attention among the cricket fraternity.
Hardik Pandya forces Lasith Malinga to leave his chair
During the Mumbai Indians’ chase, Hardik appeared to reach their batting coach Kieron Pollard to chat with him at the dugout. At that point, Lasith Malinga, sitting beside Pollard, immediately made the way for MI skipper Hardik Pandya so that he could sit at the chair in the dug-out.
In their second fixture against Sunrisers, Mumbai Indians lost the second game straight after conceding the record 277 to the home side. In reply to the mammoth chase, the Pandya-led side also displayed a fighting show as they raced to 246/5 in 20 overs, eventually losing the game by 31 runs.