Mumbai: Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), said the team will “go back to the drawing board” to identify shortcomings after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The five-time champions were beaten by Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, continuing a disappointing run in the tournament.
Quinton de Kock smashed a sensational unbeaten 112 off 60 balls (8×4, 7×6) and, with Naman Dhir (50 off 31 balls, 3×4, 3×6), shared a 123-run partnership for the third wicket to rescue the team from 12/2. But MI failed to capitalise on their efforts and could manage to post only 195/6, falling short of the challenging total by 20 runs.
PBKS easily chased the target, riding on half-centuries by Prabhsimran Singh (80*, 39b, 11 x4, 2×6) and Shreyas Iyer (66, 35b, 5×4, 2×6) to reach 198/3 and win the match by seven wickets with 21 balls to spare.
Pandya said he didn’t have much to say after his team was outplayed by an opponent that produced better efforts in batting, bowling and fielding.
“To be honest, I don’t have much to say. We need to go back and see where we’re lacking – if it’s individuals, groups or planning and work it out,” he said.
He gave credit to PBKS for mastering the chase brilliantly, exploiting the conditions. “Credit to PBKS, the ball started reversing. Dew came in the second innings, but they beat us. They bowled and fielded better.
“We need to see if we need to make difficult calls or see if we continue and turn things around. Ownership has to be taken,” Pandya said, signalling that the MI might read the riot act to their players to salvage the situation; otherwise, things will go from bad to worse in this campaign.
More IPL 2026 News on www.mediaeyenews.com
Caption: Mumbai Indians’ AM Ghazanfar celebrates with teammates after dismissing Punjab Kings’ Cooper Connolly during the Indian Premier League 2026 match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
–IANS
