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Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya was dejected after the four-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match on May 20. Despite struggling to score runs in the middle overs and ruing the missed opportunity to bat longer, Pandya was impressed with the Eden Gardens pitch which produced a low-scoring game. The star all-rounder pointed out how batters have dominated in the ongoing season and doesn’t mind playing at similar pitches where there is more balance between bat and ball.
“To be very honest, I don't mind playing on this sort of wickets where bowlers have something to do. I think IPL is becoming quite batting-dominated. Bowlers are feeling helpless. I think today's game kind of gave bowlers something as well from the wicket, which kind of makes them come and bowl some good balls, make batsmen play some good cricket and score runs. So, I kind of enjoyed it,” Pandya told the broadcasters after MI’s ninth loss of the season.
How Pandya performed on comeback after injury
On his return after recovering from back spasms, Pandya scored 26 runs from 27 balls. He hit two fours and a six but played too many dot balls in the middle overs during his partnership with Tilak Varma. He wished the two could’ve batted longer and accelerated.
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He bowled two overs, conceding 13 runs. In the 10th over, he created an opportunity to dismissed Rovman Powell but Robin Minz and Deepak Chahar missed the opportunity with the ball landing between them at backward square leg.
MI’s home venue offers batting-friendly tracks
In the ongoing season, MI have lost four out of six games at home. All games barring the one against Punjab Kings (PBKS) have seen scores in excess of 200. Even in PBKS game, MI managed to set a target of 196 which was chased down by visitors with 21 balls to spare. More than a week later, MI were bowled out for 104 in run chase of 208 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The highest score at the venue is 249 as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chased down the target of 244 with eight balls to spare.
It seems that Pandya is not happy with the high-scoring pitch at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, where batters have been able to hit through the line and score big. MI will return home for their final game of the season against Rajasthan Royals (RR) who have a menacing batting lineup featuring orange cap holder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. It is yet to be seen whether another batting-friendly pitch is offered at Wankhede Stadium or there is some help for the bowlers.
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