‘I could have managed…': Hardik Pandya takes blame for loss vs PBKS

Time of India

2 days ago

The MI skipper took responsibility for his side's loss in Qualifier 2 (Image via X/@mipaltan)
In a thrilling clash between Punjab Kings and
Mumbai Indians
that finished at almost 2am local time, the Shreyas Iyer-led side came out on top. In a game which was pushed back by over 2 hours due to rain, tensions were high and passion overflowing as Punjab chased down a staggering 204-run target with an over to spare.
Following the loss, skipper
Hardik Pandya
took blame for the result as he evaluated his decision-making. The 31-year-old acknowledged that he could have managed his side better.
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Iyer and Co. were relentless in their pursuit, as the captain took matters into his own hands with a trailblazing 87* from 41 balls. Crucial knocks from Josh Inglis (38 off 21) and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) also helped the side get the better of the five-time champions in Qualifier 2.
With the defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai Indians' season came to an end.
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Reacting to the result, Pandya said, "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."
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The MI captain also spoke on his side's batting display, opting to stick to the opinion that his team did well to post a 203 total on the board, even though teams averaged scores closer to 220 in Ahmedabad.
"I think it was par, but it needed great execution as a bowling unit, matters in a big game, they were really calm, put us under pressure, and we couldn't execute."
In contrast to the way Jasprit Bumrah was brought in against Gujarat Titans early on in the game, the 31-year-old was deployed against PBKS in the 18th over, when Punjab needed 31 off 18. "If we bowled Bumrah earlier, it might have been better, but it might have been a little too early instead. Knowing Boom, the situation even if 18 balls are left, Jassi can be Jassi and do something special. Unfortunately (it) didn't happen today," explained the captain as he reflected on the tactical decision.
Poll
Was the 203 total a competitive score considering the conditions?
Yes, it was a good score
No, it was below par
It was just average
With the defeat, Mumbai's season ended without a record sixth title. Punjab, meanwhile, will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash on June 3 in Ahmedabad. The winner will clinch the IPL title for only the first time.