Mumbai Indians faced yet another defeat in the ongoing IPL 2024 and this time against the KKR under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. Led by Hardik Pandya, they managed only 145 runs in their chase of 170 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Kolkata secured their maiden IPL win at the venue after 12 years. While KKR is edging towards playoffs, Mumbai’s hopes rest on mathematical probabilities.
Mumbai’s emerging star, Nuwan Thushara, made an impact by claiming three wickets early on, pushing KKR to a tough spot with just 57 runs for five wickets in 6.1 overs. However, Venkatesh Iyer displayed resilience on the challenging pitch, crafting a remarkable innings of 70 runs off 52 balls. Partnering with Manish Pandey, he built an 83-run partnership, setting KKR a target of 170 despite facing a formidable Jasprit Bumrah in the final overs.
In reply, MI’s top order continued their dismal performance, but with the dew factor aiding them and Suryakumar Yadav showing good form, there was some optimism for the home side. However, just as the slog overs began, Andre Russell removed the Mumbai star with an unexpected full toss. Mitchell Starc then sealed the deal with three wickets in the death overs, as MI collapsed to 145 all out in the 19th over.
Reflecting on the loss, Hardik attributed Mumbai’s defeat to the absence of substantial partnerships during the match.
“I mean obviously in the batting inning, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets, in T20s if you don’t form partnerships, it will cost you. Not much, there are a lot of questions but that will take some time to answer but for now, not much to say.”
“As you mentioned, the bowlers did a fantastic job, the wicket got a little better after the first innings, the dew came on. We will go through the game and see what could we have done better,” he said after the 24-run loss.
This marks Mumbai’s eighth loss in 11 matches this season, the highest number of defeats by any team. Despite being in ninth place on the table, they hold a better net run rate than Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who also have six points from 10 games.
When inquired about how he was dealing with the defeat that essentially dashes Mumbai’s playoff aspirations, Hardik responded: “You keep fighting, that is what I tell to myself, never leave the battlefield, tough days come but good also come here, it’s challenging but challenges make you better.”
Is there still a possibility for the Mumbai Indians to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs?
Yes, there’s a mathematical possibility. Mumbai Indians have three more games left, which could potentially earn them 12 points. However, they also need some favourable outcomes from other matches.
They require Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders to win all their remaining games while hoping Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad face losses, except in their match against each other.
If the winner of that May 8 clash ends up with 14 points, Mumbai Indians could be in contention for the fourth playoff spot with 12 points.
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