The much-anticipated return of Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans the Mumbai Indians didn't start as the new skipper would have liked it to as GT snatched an improbable 6-run victory in a thrilling IPL 2024 match on Sunday.
With that, the Mumbai Indians maintained the tradition of losing their opening match of IPL since 2012.
The match started on a good note for Hardik as he won the toss and Mumbai restricted Gujarat to 168/6.
Sai Sudharsan with 45 was the top-scorer while 3 wickets by Jasprit Bumrah restricted the hosts to a below-par total on a good batting track.
Mumbai lost Ishan Kishan for a duck but they quickly recovered thanks to a 77-run 3rd wicket stand between Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis.
It seemed that MI would win the contest easily but then the match turned on its head. They lost 5 wickets for just 18 runs and went from 142/4 to 162/9 in their 20 overs.
While Mumbai take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad next, Gujarat travel to Chennai and will face CSK.
Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans: 168 for 6 (Sai Sudharsan 45, Jasprit Bumrah 3/14). MI 162 for 9 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 43, Dewald Brevis 46, Mohit Sharma 2/32, Spencer Johnson 2/32).