New Delhi: Mumbai IndiansThe long-awaited triumphant start to the IPL season finally came to an end at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, and captain Hardik PandyaA heartfelt message for the pace bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur came into the limelight after an emphatic six-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Thakur, who returned impressive figures of 3/39 in a high-scoring contest, played a decisive role in restricting Kolkata to 220/4. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, but it was Pandya’s frank comment about his future that added a compelling layer to the evening.“I told him this season, I said, ‘Enough hooping for franchises. I want you to be here for the rest of your career,'” Pandya said after the match. “He’s a character. He’s got a big heart. The way he comes out and always tries to get a batsman behind, just brilliant and really happy for him.”Having represented seven franchises throughout his IPL journey, Thakur’s nomadic career could now find stability in Mumbai if their captain has his way. The 34-year-old took 110 wickets in 106 matches and contributed valuable lower-order runs at a brisk strike rate.MI 13 year end Opening match jinxPandya himself also highlighted the significance of the result, as Mumbai Indians snapped a 13-year streak of losing their opening match. “It’s been a long wait – 13 years is a long time. Very happy, the whole team is very happy that we finally managed to do it,” he said.The chase was anchored by a blistered opening stand in the middle. Rohit Sharma (38 to 78) and Ryan Rickelton (81 in 43), who added 148 runs to keep Mumbai firmly in control in their chase of 221 runs. Despite a slight slowdown in the middle overs, Pandya (18 not out) and Tilak Verma ensured the hosts crossed the line with five balls to spare.Earlier half-centuries were scored by Kolkata. Ajinkya Rahane (67) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (51), with Finn Allen providing the initial impetus. However, Thakur’s timely hits prevented the visitors from being pushed out of reach.
