Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has conceded that his team has few options this season after suffering yet another defeat in IPL 2026, despite posting a mammoth total of 243 runs. The five-time champions are now languishing in ninth place on the points table with only four points from six losses.
Hardik Pandya addresses team's struggles
Speaking after the match, Pandya acknowledged the team's inability to perform as per the Mumbai Indians' legacy. 'I think this season we don't have much option, we really need to see what all differences we can make,' he said. 'As an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for.'
Pandya refused to single out the bowlers, who failed to defend the imposing target. 'I won't put my bowlers under the bus,' he added, emphasizing that the entire team needs to work on its performance.
Pandya's message to fans
The MI skipper also addressed the loyal fanbase, admitting that the team has not given them enough reasons to cheer. 'We have not given them much opportunity to back us — but they have been fantastic and loyal,' he said. '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).'
Pandya remained optimistic about the franchise's backing, stating, 'We have passionate owners and support staff, hopefully we will figure out something.'
Match recap: SRH demolish MI at Wankhede
Mumbai Indians, after electing to bat first, posted 243 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by a stunning unbeaten 123 off 55 balls from Ryan Rickelton. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target with eight balls to spare, led by Travis Head (76 off 30), Heinrich Klaasen (65 not out off 30), Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24), and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10).
MI bowlers struggled, with none conceding less than 10 runs per over. Even the usually reliable Jasprit Bumrah returned figures of 0 for 54 in four overs.
With the season slipping away, Mumbai Indians will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive.
