Why is Hardik Pandya trending on X after PBKS beat MI to reach IPL 2025 final?

Hardik Pandya and Marcus Stoinis. (Photo Source: IPL)

In Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings pulled off one of the most stunning run-chases in tournament history, knocking out Mumbai Indians and securing a place in the final after 11 years. However, after the thrilling contest, MI skipper Hardik Pandya was seen breaking down in tears and falling to his knees after the defeat, triggering numerous reactions on social media.

Asked to bat first in Ahmedabad after rain delayed proceedings, the Mumbai Indians posted a total of 203/6. Jonny Bairstow gave MI a brilliant start with a 24-ball 38, followed by a crucial 72-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom scored 44 apiece.

Naman Dhir’s late cameo of 37 off just 18 balls pushed the side past the 200-run mark. Despite the scoring rate, PBKS bowlers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, picked up wickets at regular intervals to keep MI from surpassing 220 runs.

Punjab Kings’ chase got off to a poor start as Prabhsimran Singh fell cheaply, and Priyansh Arya’s cameo (20 off 10) was ended by Ashwani Kumar. However, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis hammered a quick 38 off 21, including 20 runs off ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s over.

After Inglis was dismissed by Hardik Pandya, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer stitched a brilliant 84-run stand with Nehal Wadhera, adding 48 off 29. The duo went all out against MI’s bowlers. Shreyas then finished unbeaten on a breathtaking 87 off just 41 balls, lacing his innings with five fours and eight sixes. He sealed the chase in the 19th over with a maximum, recording the highest-ever successful chase against the Mumbai Indians in IPL history.

After the winning six, cameras caught Hardik falling to his knees, and he was visibly shattered by the loss. The skipper looked motionless after the season ended, one step short of the final. His teammate Bumrah pulled him to his feet and pushed him towards the post-match customary handshakes. Hardik’s reaction instantly became the top trend on X.

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