Hardik Pandya played the RR vs MI IPL 2025 clash despite a serious injury

Much to the elation of fans, Mumbai Indians have rediscovered their form, with their IPL 2025 campaign now reflecting the pedigree of a five-time champion. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the team has strung together an impressive six-match winning streak as the business end of the season approaches. Their latest triumph, a commanding 100-run win in the RR vs MI clash, has propelled the former champions to the top of the points table. Currently leading the pack, MI appears well-positioned to secure a Top 2 finish in the group stage. However, a concerning update has emerged from the Mumbai camp following the match.

Hardik Pandya took the field for the RR vs MI IPL 2025 match with seven stiches above his eyes

Hardik Pandya led from the front with remarkable courage as Mumbai Indians crushed Rajasthan Royals by 100 runs in Jaipur. In the fixture at the Sawai Maan Singh Stadium, the MI skipper was observed wearing protective eye gear. Despite the match being an evening fixture, Pandya sported the eyewear almost throughout the chase as his team defended the mammoth total against the home team. The reason has now been revealed behind Pandya's compulsion to wear the accessory in the RR vs MI match.

The MI skipper took the field for the match against Rajasthan Royals despite suffering a painful injury ahead of the game. During a training session before the match, Hardik Pandya sustained a nasty blow to his eye while attempting a sweep shot against a local spinner. The impact was serious enough to need seven stitches. Yet, determined to play, he turned up for the RR vs MI fixture wearing protective eyewear.

At the toss, Pandya was seen with a visibly bandaged eye and special glasses, but he didn’t let the injury hold him back. Coming in at No. 4, the all-rounder delivered a blazing innings, smashing 48 off just 23 balls, featuring six fours and a six, powering MI to a formidable total. His influence extended with the ball as well. The MI skipper bowled a tight over and dismissed RR’s impact substitute Shubham Dubey for 2, capping off a gritty all-round performance. MI’s dominant win all but ended Rajasthan’s playoff hopes. With 14 points from 11 games, Mumbai now top the table ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, thanks to a superior Net Run Rate.