MI versus KKR: Hardik Pandya not ready to ‘leave the battlefield’ despite heavy defeat.

MI versus KKR: Hardik Pandya is not ready to ‘leave the battlefield’ despite heavy defeat.

Hardik Pandya reflected on the MUMBAI INDIANS’s loss against KKR at the Wankhede Stadium on May 3, Friday. Hardik admitted that the team failed to stitch any partnership and kept losing wickets which led to their loss. KKR ended their 12-year jinx at the iconic venue with a brilliant 24-run win. With the win, Kolkata also consolidated their second position in the points table with 7 wins from 10 matches. Meanwhile, MI slumped to their 8th loss of the season from 11 matches.

While speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Hardik spoke about the MUMBAI INDIANS’ defeat and what went wrong in the game. Amid MI’s poor run in the tournament, Hardik said it would take some time to answer the questions posed to the team. However, he was happy with the way the MUMBAI INDIANS bowlers bowled.

“Obviously we couldn’t form a partnership and kept losing wickets. There are a lot of questions that will be answered with time. But there is not much to say yet. The bowlers have done a fantastic job on this track,” said Hardik. IPL 2024, MI vs KKR: Match Report

‘Challenges make you better’

MUMBAI INDIANS opted to bowl first and cashed in on the advantage leaving KKR reeling at 57 for 5. N Thushara picked up 3 wickets to go through the KKR top order. However, Venkatesh Iyer with his knockout 70 runs along with Manish Pandey led Kolkata’s recovery as they managed to put 169 runs on the board.

Hardik mentioned that the wicket improved in the 2nd innings but the lack of partnership led to their downfall in the chase. Hardik kept his head high and was determined to continue the fight, despite the tough challenges.

“The wicket has improved if I’m not mistaken. Rosa came in the second innings. He’ll go through the game and see what we can do better. Keep fighting, that’s what I say, never leave the battlefield. Hard days come, but there are also good days. It’s tough, but the challenges they make you better,” added Hardik.

The KKR bowlers were after all the MUMBAI INDIANS batsmen as the hosts found themselves reduced to 71 for 6. Suryakumar Yadav played a counter-attacking innings of 56 runs from 35 balls. However, this proved to be not enough as Mitchell Starc picked up 4 wickets for 33 runs to blow away MUMBAI INDIANS’s lower order.

ALSO READ :-Roberto De Zerbi’s stock has collapsed, and sticking at Brighton is the best way to bring it back.