Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya gave a candid take on his team’s exit from IPL 2025 after a tough loss to Punjab Kings. Pandya praised Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer’s excellent batting but admitted Mumbai’s bowling didn’t click when it mattered most. This honest verdict shows the pain and lessons Mumbai take forward.
Mumbai Indians Fall Short as Shreyas Iyer Shines
Chasing a challenging 204, Punjab Kings raced to victory with one over to spare. Shreyas Iyer was the star, smashing a strong 87 off just 41 balls. His powerful hitting and smart captaincy led Punjab to their first IPL final since 2014.
Hardik Pandya said, “Especially Shreyas, the way he batted, he took his chances and played really well.” He also acknowledged Mumbai’s bowling lacked the sharpness needed to defend the total. “It was a par score, but it really needed great execution from the bowling unit.”
Punjab started shaky, losing Prabhsimran Singh early. But Iyer’s calmness and support from Josh Inglis and Nehal Wadhera built a steady chase. The partnership of 84 runs between Iyer and Wadhera broke Mumbai’s back.
🚨 THE LEADER FOR AGES – ITS SHREYAS IYER 🚨
– No Celebration, No Emotion, It’s just his Aura, That is Iyer. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4hpnyrAZrE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 1, 2025
Hardik’s Honest Reflection: What Went Wrong?
Pandya didn’t hide his disappointment about key decisions. He pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t used at a crucial time. “In hindsight, it would have been different, but maybe a little too early,” he said, reflecting on whether Bumrah should have bowled the 17th over.
That’s the frustrating part for Mumbai fans. You have the best bowlers but can’t always get the timing right. It’s like having a Ferrari but running it in second gear when the race is on.
What This Means for Mumbai Indians
For Mumbai Indians, this IPL exit is a hard lesson. They showed fight and skill but fell short in execution. Pandya’s honesty means the team will take a closer look at their bowling plans and match strategy.
For the average cricket fan, this game was a reminder that IPL is not just about big names but timing and tactics. A great batting score is only half the battle; without smart bowling, even the best totals can be chased down.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are now on the rise, showing they can handle pressure and chase big scores. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, will need to rethink their bowling tactics if they want to come back stronger next season.
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