Hardik Pandya Gets Out In Bizarre Hit Wicket Mode, Rare Dismissal Sparks Off Meme Fest On Social Media

Pandya got himself out in the most bizarre fashion by getting hit wicket off the bowling of seamer Andre Russell. It was Pandya's first dismissal in such a manner in his 68-match long IPL career so far.

Hardik Pandya (Image: IPL Twitter Handle)

Mumbai Indians opener their account in the thirteenth edition of the IPL by securing a dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Game 5 of the season at Abu Dhabi. Mumbai Indians were powered to a resounding victory courtesy a blistering 80-run knock by their skipper Rohit Sharma and a fine all-round display of disciplined bowling by their bowlers. Mumbai posted a daunting 195 run on the board riding high on Rohit's whirlwind 80, a quick fire 47 from Suryakumar Yadav and a brief but valuable cameo by their power hitter Hardik Pandya. However, more than Pandya's exploits at the crease, it was his dismissal which caught the attention of most. Pandya got himself out in the most bizarre fashion by getting hit wicket off the bowling of seamer Andre Russell. It was Pandya's first dismissal in such a manner in his 68-match long IPL career so far. Pandya who started off in his signature fashion by tonking a six and two boundaries to race to 18 off just 13 deliveries, went too far back in his crease to play a shot behind square of the wicket on the off side. As he was trying to execute the shot, the toe end of his willow clipped the bails and an amused Pandya could see himself getting hit wicket. Click on Video link to watch the dismissal 

ICYMI - Hardik - hit wicket b Russell

What happened there? Far back in the crease and Hardik Pandya hits the stumps. First hit wicket of the tournament. ????️????️https://t.co/B3P7lPzB2a #MIvKKR #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/4cAc7F5shf — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 23, 2020

Video Credit: Indian Premier League Site | Video Section  Pandya took the rare dismissal in his stride and was seen walking back to the pavilion with a smile on his face. The rare dismissal of Pandya sparked off a meme-fest on social media with fans poking fun by connecting the dismissal to the hit wickets which had happened in the past.

KKR bowlers trying to take wicket of hardik pandya *Le hardik pandya pic.twitter.com/PCpm9GlTTf

— Hariom patel (@Science_wale) September 23, 2020

Hardik Pandya's reaction after getting self out- pic.twitter.com/hIjCbrbT0G

— Perfect Errorist (@TheNitishaDixit) September 23, 2020

Hardik Pandya after getting out from hit wicket pic.twitter.com/9ALhBv0N1n

— Tanishq (@Tanishq_4090) September 23, 2020

The seam all-rounder made amends for his short stint at the crease with the bat by taking three important catches when MI took to the field to defend 195-run total. Pandya who is considered one of the best outfield fielders took the catches of Nitish Rana, Nikhil Naik and Pat Cummins as Mumbai Indians went onto clinch a resounding 49-run win over KKR.