IPL 2026: Pandya's Response to Shastri Goes Viral During Toss
'Playing for pride?' Pandya's response to Shastri during toss goes viral
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
In a crucial IPL 2026 match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to bowl first against the already-eliminated Mumbai Indians. Mumbai's Hardik Pandya, returning from injury, emphasized the importance of playing for pride despite their playoff absence.
- 01Kolkata Knight Riders need to win both remaining matches to keep playoff hopes alive.
- 02Ajinkya Rahane noted the team's good atmosphere and confidence despite a see-saw season.
- 03Hardik Pandya stated that every game is important and emphasized representing Mumbai Indians with pride.
- 04Both teams made minimal changes, with Mumbai welcoming back Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav.
- 05Rahane acknowledged the difficulty of reading the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens.
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In the IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians (MI), who are already out of playoff contention. KKR, needing to win their last two matches to keep their hopes alive, remained unchanged from their previous game. Rahane expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well, highlighting the positive atmosphere in the dressing room despite a mixed season. He stated, "It's always about the comeback... guys have been fantastic."
Mumbai's captain Hardik Pandya returned to the lineup after injury and addressed a question from former coach Ravi Shastri regarding whether MI was playing for pride. Pandya affirmed the importance of winning every game and representing the team's legacy, saying, "Every game you play, you want to win... just want to make sure that we keep the head high." Both teams fielded strong lineups, with MI welcoming back key players Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, while KKR aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
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The outcome of this match could determine KKR's chances of making the playoffs, impacting fans and stakeholders involved in the franchise.
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