Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a 12-run defeat at the hands of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday (April 4).
LSG racked up 203/8 on the board, but the five-time champions failed to chase the target as they were restricted to 191/5. MI skipper Hardik Pandya called out the entire batting unit after the loss.
Hardik had a great outing with the ball as he became the first captain in IPL history to claim a five-wicket haul. However, despite this significant feat, he could not ensure a victory for his team.
After the match, Hardik admitted that they conceded 10-15 extra runs with the ball while also adding that the whole batting unit will have to take ownership of this loss.
“It has been disappointing when you lose. If we have to be honest, on the field, we gave away 10-15 runs on that wicket. I have always enjoyed my bowling (on his fifer). I don't think I have many options. I try to read the wicket and try some smart options. I don’t try to go for wickets. I try to bowl dot balls and let the batters take risks. I think as a batting unit, we fell short. We win as a team. We lose as a team. Don't want to point someone out. The ownership has to be taken by the whole batting unit. I take full ownership,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The MI captain also talked about the decision to retire Tilak Varma, explaining that they needed someone to hit boundaries and the southpaw wasn’t able to do that.
“It was obvious (on Tilak being retired out). We needed some hits. In cricket, some of those days come. When you try but it doesn't come off. Just play good cricket. I like to keep it simple. Take better calls. Be smart in bowling. Take chances in batting. Play simple cricket with some aggression. As it is a long tournament, couple of wins and we might get into the rhythm,” he further remarked.
It was MI’s third loss in five matches this season. They are currently languishing at the fifth position in the 10-team points table.
Mumbai Indians will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday (April 7).
