Bowlers of Mumbai Indians are being hammered for their inability to protect what was then their highest first-innings total in the IPL during Wednesday’s loss, yet MI captain Hardik Pandya wouldn’t play his bowlers as scapegoats and said everyone had to shoulder the blame.
Mumbai — five-times victors – are languishing through a horrendous season and stay ninth in the 10-group standings with only two wins from eight matches.
Led by India paceman Jasprit Bumrah, their highly-touted bowling group has struggled, with conditions in the IPL well favouring batsmen.
On Wednesday, Mumbai scored 243-5 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium before the visitors chased it down with ease in a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.
Once again, the world’s best fast bowler, Bumrah went wicketless and offered 54 runs in four overs. He has two wickets in eight matches.
After the match, speaking at the post-match presentation, Pandya said there was plenty of blame for the defeat to go around.
“I am not going to throw my bowlers under the bus. I believe as a complete centre group, we have failed to continue along the lines of what Mumbai Indians has stood for,” he said.
Pandya insisted that Mumbai, who had more than any other side with 22 players used this season alone, was just looking for a bit of good fortune before turning it around.
season, you’ve seen this type of season: damn. And so when you get a couple of opportunities, you take it – luck and momentum shifts as he will say.
“If not, it kind of hurts you but it’s alright; the whole boys tried very well.”
The Mumbai Indians next face the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.