In the rain-curtained IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a loss by 27 runs at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
Following the loss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya said that his bowlers need to take responsibility and also feels that they were not up to mark with the ball.
“We did not execute the deliveries we were supposed to (in powerplay). They (RR openers) played well. Bowlers need to take responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not up to the mark. I would not put this game on the batting. Definitely the bowling unit which had to take responsibility. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we would have executed, we would have been in the game,” he said.
During the match, RR`s explosive opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided a strong start to the team. Sooryavanshi played a fiery cameo of just 14 balls and smashed 39 runs, laced with a boundary and five maximums. On the other hand, Jaiswal delivered an unbeaten knock of 77 runs in just 32 balls, with the help of 10 boundaries and four maximums.
Speaking about the opponents` opening duo, Hardik heaped praise on them and gave a special mention to Sooryavanshi by saying it is amazing to see a young batsman bat that way.
“They (RR openers) also played tremendously. Their openers threw us off our game and we were playing catch-up. Quite fascinating to see a 17 or 16-year-old boy (15-year-old) play that way. Amazing to see the way he bats, the fearlessness he has. Wish him good luck for the future.” On their next game, Pandya said, “Just learn from the mistakes. Morning will come tomorrow, sun will rise, prepare well for the next game,” said the 32-year-old cricketer.
With this, the “Paltan” has now suffered two defeats in three matches of the ongoing league. They have slipped to the seventh position with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.715 and two points.
Riyan Parag-led Royals are enjoying the top spot with three wins in as many matches. They have a net run rate (NRR) of +2.403 and six points.
(With PTI Inputs)
