Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), faced further setbacks as they suffered their seventh defeat in IPL 2024 on Tuesday, April 30th.
The 30-year-old was fined a substantial amount of ₹24 lakh for his team’s slow over rate during the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana International Stadium yesterday.
Additionally, fines have been imposed on the rest of the MI players as well. This marked Hardik’s second over-rate violation this season, following the first one against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur.
According to the IPL’s official statement, the other players in MI’s playing XI, including the Impact Player, have been fined six lakh or 25 percent of their match fees, whichever is lower.
The IPL’s official statement reads as follows:
“Mr Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on April 30, 2024.”
“As it was his team’s second offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Pandya was fined Rs 24 Lakh.”
“The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either INR 6 Lac or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser.”
In recent weeks, captains such as Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been penalized with fines for their teams’ slow over rates.
Hardik Pandya’s bowling improves, yet LSG wins
In a match where Mumbai Indians defended a modest 144, Hardik Pandya shone with key wickets, including those of KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda. However, Marcus Stoinis’ pivotal knock of 62 runs off 45 balls steered Lucknow Super Giants to victory, clinching the win in the final over with four wickets in hand.
Earlier, KL Rahul opted to field after winning the toss, leading to a shaky start for the five-time champions as they slumped to 27-4. Nehal Wadhera and Tim David fought hard, scoring 46 and 35 runs respectively, to give Mumbai a competitive total.
However, it wasn’t enough as they succumbed to defeat, remaining in the ninth position on the points table.
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