Hardik Pandya Sinks to Knees After MI’s IPL Exit; Jasprit Bumrah Offers Consolation in Emotional Post-Match Scene

Hardik Pandya Sinks to Knees After MI’s IPL Exit: Captain Hardik Pandya was crestfallen after Mumbai Indians lost to Punjab Kings in the second qualifier of IPL 2025 held in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. The Pandya-led MI suffered a five-wicket defeat after failing to defend 204 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Pandya was consoled by his teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, with the MI skipper quickly gaining control of himself before congratulating his PBKS counterpart Shreyas Iyer, who played a match-winning innings of 87 not out in the successful chase.

Pandya acknowledged that the decision-making during the crucial overs could have been better, specifically mentioning Jasprit Bumrah's under-utilisation at a key moment.

"Especially Shreyas, the way he batted, he took his chances and played really well. It was a par score, but it really needed great execution from the bowling unit. They were really calm and put us under pressure, and we were not able to execute the way we wanted. [Should Bumrah have bowled the 17th over?] In hindsight, it would have been different, but maybe a little too early," Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Surge to 3,758; Kerala Leads with 1,400, Maharashtra at 506

For Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, the loss cut deep. As Shreyas Iyer launched the winning six to seal a place in the final, Hardik sank to his knees, visibly shattered. He remained motionless as the weight of the defeat sank in.

Jasprit Bumrah eventually walked up, gently pulling Hardik to his feet and nudging him towards the post-match handshakes.

Hardik also went on to applaud Shreyas Iyer for his magnificent knock under pressure. “The way Shreyas batted, took his chances, and some of the shots he played were really outstanding. I think they definitely batted really well,” said Hardik in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: Colorado Attacker Shouts ‘End Zionists’, Uses Molotov Cocktails and Flamethrower; 6 Injured in Boulder Terror Attack

PBKS' chase had begun with a jolt, but Josh Inglis played the early enforcer’s role, taking 20 off Jasprit Bumrah in a game-changing over; he was eventually dismissed for a brisk 38 off 21 balls. It paved the path for a momentum surge that Nehal Wadhera and Iyer capitalised on in style.

Mumbai Indians' (MI) wait for their sixth IPL title continued as the team suffered a defeat to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. MI - the five-time champions - have not won a title since 2020. In fact, their performance has not been great in recent times, finishing tenth in 2022 and 2024 and fifth in 2021. They reached Qualifier 2 in 2023 but suffered a defeat to the Gujarat Titans.

The team did not get off to a great start in IPL 2025, losing four of the first five games, but bounced back well to qualify for the playoffs. They defeated the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator and entered Qualifier 2 as heavy favourites.

The team also put up a strong score of 203-6 in 20 overs, however, Shreyas Iyer's brilliant knock of 87 knocked them out of the tournament.

Trent Boult’s missed catch of Nehal Wadhera proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. This unfortunate event allowed Wadhera to contribute a significant 48 runs himself, and he went on to forge a substantial partnership of over 80 runs with Iyer. The missed opportunity significantly altered the game’s trajectory.

Also Read: 12 Shot, 1 Dead in Overnight Mass Shooting at North Carolina House Party