In a major heartbreak, the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians were defeated by the Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 2 round of the ongoing 2025 Indian Premier League. Following the defeat, Pandya heaped praises on Punjab Kings‘ captain Shreyas Iyer and his ability to perform under pressure. Hardik also acknowledged the fact that his team lacked a bowling strategy, which eventually cost them the game.
Hardik Pandya took the blame on himself after MI’s defeat in Qualifier 2
MI captain acknowledged the fact that the decision-making during the crucial overs of the game could have been better, highlighting the under-utilization of bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah during the key moment.
Speaking after the match, during the post-match press conference, Hardik Pandya said: “The way Shreyas batted, took his chances and some of the shots he played were really outstanding,” Hardik Pandya said. “I think they definitely batted really well. I think it was par, but it needed some great execution as a bowling unit which I think in these big games it really matters. And as I mentioned they were really calm, put us under pressure and I think we were not able to execute the way we wanted.”
He added: “I’ll not put it on the wicket, if we had to do something better it was to bowl right lengths, or bowl the right bowler at the right time. I’m someone who likes to take it all on me, and maybe I could have managed my troops a little better.”
For the unversed, Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League’s title in 2020, following which they have not reached the final.
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Hardik Pandya on Jasprit Bumrah not bowling the 17th over
Further, while discussing Jasprit Bumrah not bowling the 17th over, when only 41 runs were needed, Hardik Pandya said that in that moment, the decision felt like the best call. Bumrah bowled the 18th over, however, he couldn’t change the game much and finished wicketless on the day after giving away 40 runs in 4 overs. He said:
“In hindsight, it would have been different (whether he should have bowled Bumrah with 41 needed of 4 overs) and it would have been too early as well, Boom knowing the situation if even 18 balls are left Jassi can be Jassi and he can do something special and it just didn’t happen today.”
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