In a delightful post-match moment that captured the camaraderie within the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp, captain Hardik Pandya serenaded teammate Jonny Bairstow following their victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2025 Eliminator. The light-hearted gesture not only showcased the team's unity but also highlighted Bairstow's impactful debut performance for MI.
Following the match, MI's official X handle shared a video capturing Pandya's playful tribute to Bairstow. In the clip, Pandya is seen singing, "Jonny! Jonny! Jonny baby! teri meri... hai kahani!" The unexpected serenade left Bairstow momentarily puzzled before both players burst into laughter, reflecting the joyous atmosphere within the team.
Jonny Bairstow, recently acquired by MI as a replacement for Will Jacks, made an immediate impression by scoring a rapid 47 off 22 balls. His explosive innings, featuring a formidable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, propelled MI to a commanding total of 228-5. This formidable score laid the foundation for MI's 20-run victory, keeping their championship aspirations alive.
With this victory, MI advances to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, vying for a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As the tournament progresses, moments like Pandya's serenade underscore the team's cohesion and the spirited environment that fuels their pursuit of the title.
IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya And Shubman Gill Share Tense Moments During GT Vs MI Eliminator Clash; Video
The IPL 2025 Eliminator clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) featured tense interactions between former teammates Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill.
Before a ball was even bowled, the spotlight was on the captains. At the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya and GT captain Shubman Gill shared a visibly awkward moment. After winning the toss, Pandya appeared to move toward Gill, perhaps to shake hands. Gill, simultaneously unsure, mirrored the motion. Both then pulled back in a split second of hesitation, resulting in an odd exchange.
The tension between the two former teammates escalated further during GT’s chase. Shubman Gill, who had been under pressure to deliver, was dismissed early — trapped LBW by MI pacer Trent Boult for just 1 run off 2 balls. Thereupon, Hardik Pandya was seen screaming in celebration near his former teammate’s face. The moment was intense, clearly charged with emotion and possibly the weight of past camaraderie turned rivalry.
While it's unclear if Pandya’s yell was directed specifically at Gill or just an exuberant expression of relief and adrenaline, the optics of the scene caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. The fiery celebration contrasted starkly with their cold toss interaction and served to underline the growing on-field rivalry between the two.
