Hardik Pandya turned the game on its head at the Wankhede Stadium with a stunning double breakthrough in the 15th over, removing both Virat Kohli and Liam Livingstone in quick succession to complete a major career milestone — 200 wickets in T20s.
Kohli, who was cruising on 67 off 42 balls, attempted to accelerate after the strategic timeout but mistimed a top-edge off a wide delivery, which was comfortably taken by Naman Dhir at deep mid-wicket. Just two deliveries later, Liam Livingstone, facing only his second ball, tried an ill-timed scoop shot and ended up offering a simple catch to Jasprit Bumrah at short third man, walking back for a two-ball duck.
Hardik’s figures at that point stood at 2.5-0-15-2, playing a crucial role in halting RCB’s momentum. His 200th wicket in T20s came with the dismissal of Livingstone — a feat that marks his continued impact as a world-class all-rounder in the shortest format.
RCB, who were 143/2 just an over earlier, suddenly found themselves three down in quick time, with the tide shifting back in favour of Mumbai Indians.
