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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been a season of missed opportunities for Mumbai Indians (MI). On skipper Hardik Pandyaโs return after recovering from back spasms, MI lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Pandya rued half chances not being taken after the five-wicket loss but MI fielders made a mess of even regulation catches. In the 10th over of KKRโs run chase, Deepak Chahar and substitute fielder Robin Minz gave Rovman Powell a reprieve as they missed a simple catching opportunity at deep square leg. It recreated the infamous missed catch by Pakistanโs Saeed Ajmal and Shoaib Malik, giving West Indiesโ Chris Gayle a second chance.
KKR were under pressure having lost three wickets for 54 runs in 7.1 overs. Powell was new to the crease and was looking to attack. Pandya bowled a well-directed short ball to the Caribbean batter who went for the pull shot. The KKR batter got a top edge off the bat. Chahar and Minz were fielding in the deep. Both players got close to the ball and then pulled out of the catching attempt. Chahar was closed but Minz was in his peripheral vision, leading to the faux pas. The missed chance led to an argument between the two while the skipper Pandya hid his face with his jersey in disappointment.
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The costly dropped chance
Powell was batting on 14 off nine deliveries when he got a second chance. He went on to share a crucial 64-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Manish Pandey. The former West Indies captain scored 40 runs from 30 balls, featuring four fours and a couple of sixes. KKR chased down the target of 148 with four wickets in hand and seven balls to spare.
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Pandya lashes out over poor fielding
In the post-match presentation, Pandya was asked about what is going on in the field with MI players dropping catches. The all-rounder did not mince his words while criticising the fielding.ย
โI don't know. I think throughout the season, we've been quite poor in fielding. I think we have dropped a lot of catches, which obviously no one wants to do it. But in that part of the game, I think there is no hiding away. If you get chances, if you want to win games, you need to grab all the chances, even half chances as well. But, when you drop chances which can change the game, it's always you are chasing the game,โ he told the broadcasters.
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After another away defeat, MI remained in the ninth position on the points table. They will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their last game of the season at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on May 24.
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