Guwahati : Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya did not hold back in his assessment after his team’s 27-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in a rain-curtailed IPL 2026 clash. Speaking after the match, Hardik Pandya on MI loss clearly pointed towards the bowling unit’s failure to execute plans.
The match, delayed by more than two hours due to persistent rain, saw Mumbai Indians opt to bowl first. However, their bowlers conceded 150 runs, putting the team under pressure early on. Reflecting on the performance, Hardik Pandya on MI loss emphasized that the bowlers failed to deliver in crucial phases.
“We did not execute the deliveries we were supposed to in the powerplay. They played well, but bowlers need to take responsibility. As a bowling group, we were not up to the mark,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.
He made it clear that the defeat should not be blamed on the batting unit. According to Hardik Pandya on MI loss, it was the bowling department that needed to step up. “I would not put this game on the batting. It is always about bowling those good balls. If we had executed better, we would have been in the game,” he added.
RR Openers Dominate the Game
Rajasthan Royals’ opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned the game on its head. Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 77 off 32 balls, while Sooryavanshi contributed a blistering 39 off 14 balls.
The duo added 80 runs in just five overs, leaving Mumbai Indians chasing the game from the very beginning. Highlighting their impact, Hardik Pandya on MI loss acknowledged how the openers disrupted Mumbai’s plans.
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“They played tremendously. Their openers threw us off our game, and we were always playing catch-up,” Pandya admitted.
Praise for Young Talent
Despite the loss, Pandya had words of admiration for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He praised the youngster’s fearless approach and maturity at such a young age.
“It is fascinating to see a 15-year-old play like that. The way he bats and the fearlessness he shows is amazing. I wish him good luck for the future,” Pandya said.
Royals Confident with Young Core
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag hailed the opening pair as the best in the tournament, highlighting their skill and composure. He also praised the team’s young core and expressed confidence in maintaining the winning momentum.
“Vaibhav is incredible, and Jaiswal has been doing this for years. Their skill and maturity make them the best opening pair right now,” Parag said.
Looking Ahead
For Mumbai Indians, the focus now shifts to regrouping and correcting mistakes. Summing up the mood in the camp, Hardik Pandya on MI loss stressed the importance of learning and moving forward.
“Just learn from the mistakes. Morning will come tomorrow, the sun will rise, and we will prepare well for the next game,” he concluded.