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Hardik Pandya Blames On Batting Unit Yet Again As KKR Demolish MI In Wakhede

KKR beat MI by 24 runs in IPL 2024 (X.com)KKR beat MI by 24 runs in IPL 2024 (X.com)

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) playoff hopes were dashed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday at Wankhede, and captain Hardik Pandya was quick to shift blame on the batting unit for not stepping up in batting-friendly conditions.

When MI restricted KKR to 169 runs on Wankhede’s pitch, they never thought of falling short of 24 runs in the chase. But Mitchell Starc’s masterclass proved Hardik Pandya wrong as MI were bowled out at home to register their 8th defeat of the season.

Meanwhile, the MI captain was at a loss for words during the post game interview but did mention that batters let the team down. He added that loss of wickets and lack of partnerships in T20 format always costs and MI paid the price for the same.

"I mean, obviously, in the batting innings, we could not form partnerships and kept losing wickets; and in T20, if you keep losing wickets, it's always going to cost. Obviously there are a lot of questions, but I think that will take some time to answer. But for now, not much to say," Hardik said in the post-match interview.

Pandya further added that the bowlers were spot-on with their execution, and the wicket did get better to bat in the second innings due to the arrival of due.

"As you mentioned, I think the bowlers did a fantastic job, the wicket got a little better after the first innings, and the dew came on. We will go through the game and see what could we have done better," he added.

Despite the 8th loss of the season, Pandya revealed that he’s fighting through the challenges, as tough days do not last for long.

"I mean, you keep fighting. That's what I keep telling myself—never leave the battlefield. Tough days come, but so do good days, as long as you stay. Challenges are part of life, but they also make you better," Hardik concluded.

MI is now in 9th place in the points table with just 6 points in 11 games. Their playoff qualification chances are down to negligible from here.