Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 29 suffered their sixth defeat of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. After posting a daunting total of 243/5 on board at Wankhede Stadium, MI were hopeful of a win after break. However, it wasn't to be. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chased it down with six wickets in hand and eight bowlers to spare. As MI bowlers' struggle continued and even Jasprit Bumrah conceded 54 runs, skipper Hardik Pandya refused to throw his bowling lineup under the bus. He feels that he has run out of options but the bowling hasn’t fired in unison, unlike the brand that is MI, a franchise with five IPL titles.
"I think this season we don't have much option, we really need to see what all differences we can do. I won't put my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for," said Pandya in the post-match presentation about the extended poor bowling displays.
"We really need to see what all we need to work on," he added.
Pandya’s message to MI fans
MI thanked the owners, support staff and fans of MI. He admitted that the team hasn't given back much joy to the fans of late.
"We have passionate owners and support staff, hopefully we will figure out something," said the all-rounder.
"We have not given them much opportunity to back us -- but they have been fantastic and loyal. Sometimes it hurts when the opposition comes and they start chanting their name. But we probably need to give them more (to cheer and shout about)," he added.
Pandya had fun while batting
Earlier, Pandya had supported opener Ryan Rickelton in the slog overs. Rickelton remained unbeaten for 123 whereas Pandya contributed with a 15-ball 31 featuring two fours and as many sixes.
"Yes, I enjoyed (the batting), I had fun today on the ground. Yeah, I think 244, I think I'll back my bowlers to stop it, but some other day today we could not execute,” Pandya said.
Pandya rues missed opportunities
He rues dropped chances early on in the innings which would’ve helped MI turn the tide.
"I think it's been that kind of season (of missed chances on the field). When you get a couple of chances, you grab them, that's when the luck and momentum changes. If you don't, it kind of hurts you...all the boys tried really well. They gave everything, it did not work out," the 32-year-old further added.
MI are still placed ninth on the points table. They will go up against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 2.