Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya candidly reflected on his team’s seven-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday, acknowledging that they fell 20 runs short of a par total at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Despite majestic half-centuries from Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis, which took PBKS to a historic top-two finish, Pandya maintained that MI were not far off but simply didn’t play their “best cricket.”
🗣️ Hardik Pandya Speaks
“The way wicket played, we were 20 runs short. That happens,” said Pandya at the post-match presentation.
“We’ve been playing good cricket, but couldn’t bring our best today — and in the IPL, that costs you. This franchise has won five trophies, and it’s always been tough.”
The MI skipper admitted there were missed opportunities with the bat, particularly at the start and in the middle overs, and took responsibility for tactical decisions — including the selection of impact player Ashwani Kumar.
“We back Ashwani. That has been the plan throughout the season. We’ve used both the leggie and the quick, and today we felt it was the right move for this surface.”
👏 Praise for PBKS Duo
Pandya was also full of praise for PBKS’s second-wicket stand between Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya, whose 100-run partnership took the match away from MI.
“They really played good cricket. The second-wicket stand was outstanding. They capitalised on the loose deliveries and played some exceptional shots.”
Despite losing, MI will still advance to the Eliminator, while PBKS have secured a place in Qualifier 1, finishing in the top two for only the second time in IPL history — the first being in 2014.
🏟️ Jaipur Woes Continue for MI
The Jaipur venue has not been kind to Mumbai Indians. With this latest loss, MI have now won just once in their last six matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium since 2013 — their only win coming earlier this season against Rajasthan Royals.
🔍 What’s Ahead?
- PBKS will play Qualifier 1, giving them a direct shot at the IPL 2025 Final.
- MI, meanwhile, head to Eliminator 1, where a loss would mean the end of their campaign.