Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya admitted that his side’s bowling options have been tested this season, but insisted the team must still find answers when matches are on the line. The skipper’s comments came after MI suffered a six-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL game on Wednesday, despite posting a huge total of 243 for 5. SRH chased it down with eight balls remaining, while Jasprit Bumrah had a tough outing, conceding 54 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket.
The result left Mumbai Indians with four points from eight matches, while Sunrisers Hyderabad moved up to third place on 12 points from nine games.
Hardik Pandya on MI’s bowling struggles and what comes next
- Pandya acknowledged that the team’s bowling resources have been stretched, and said the priority is to identify workable changes even under pressure.
- When asked how he plans to address the bowling unit after failing to defend a strong score, he said he would not single out the bowlers, adding that MI as a collective has not replicated what the franchise usually stands for.
- He added that the group needs to evaluate what exactly needs to be improved going forward.
- Pandya said he believes continued backing from the franchise owners and the support staff will help the side find a way out of the current phase.
- He also expressed sympathy for MI’s dedicated supporters, saying the team has not been able to give them enough victories to celebrate consistently.
- He noted that fans remain enthusiastic and loyal, even when the opposition comes and starts chanting against them, and said MI likely needs to offer more reasons for their supporters to cheer.
- At the same time, Pandya gave credit for MI’s batting showing up, but pointed out that missed chances—such as dropped catches—could have swung momentum in their favour.
- He said he enjoyed the batting effort and felt that with the right execution, MI could have trusted their bowlers to defend 244, but on the day they were unable to carry it through.
- Pandya summed up the season as one where opportunities on the field have often been missed, explaining that taking a couple of chances is usually when luck and momentum can change.
- He added that the whole squad tried hard and gave everything, but the result went against them.
Pat Cummins lauds SRH’s aggressive mindset
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s fearless approach while urging them to keep playing with the same positive energy. He specifically highlighted that when the surface is helpful, openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head can play a wide range of shots, and Cummins said he was happy he did not have to bowl to them. He also described the young players in the XI as having a “super aggressive” approach, adding that they showed a fearless attitude throughout.
Klaasen on taking early chances and turning the chase
Heinrich Klaasen was named Player of the Match after arriving at a crucial point in SRH’s chase, following the loss of a couple of quick wickets, and then delivering a knock that helped secure the win. Klaasen said he targeted a gap at “cow corner” early and took a calculated risk from the start because the wicket was good and MI’s bowling attack was strong. He added that the pressure from Abhishek and Head made the job easier once he was in, and he noted that when the batters are going at a brisk pace, it helps the incoming batter as well.
