“It just didn’t happen today” - Hardik Pandya reveals the reason behind the defeat to PBKS in Qualifier 2

Hardik Pandya opened up on the reason behind the defeat as Punjab Kings secured a five-wicket win over his side in the second qualifier of the IPL 2025 season at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1.

Moving into the details of the game, Mumbai Indians batted first after losing the toss and posted a dominating total of 203/6 in 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav (44) and Tilak Varma (44) were crucial, while Naman Dhir smacked 37 runs in 18 balls.

In the chase, Shreyas Iyer was simply exceptional, scoring 87* off 41 balls with five fours and eight sixes to take his side over the line in 19 overs with five wickets in hand. Speaking at the post match presentation ceremony, Hardik hailed Iyer for his knock.

“The way Shreyas batted, took his chances and some of the shots he played were really outstanding. I think they definitely batted really well. I think it was par, but it needed some great execution as a bowling unit which I think in these big games it really matters. And as I mentioned they were really calm, put us under pressure and I think we were not able to execute the way we wanted,” Hardik Pandya said at the post match presentation ceremony.

“I will not put it on the wicket. If we had to do something better it was maybe someone bowling the right lengths or maybe the right bowler at the right point, the result could have been a bit different,” he continued. 

Moreover, he talked about Bumrah giving his best, but with Shreyas Iyer being at his best at the other end, the MI pacer couldn’t make it big. Notably, Bumrah conceded 40 runs in four overs in the crunch game.

“In hindsight, it would have been different (whether he should have bowled Bumrah with 41 needed of 4 overs) and it would have been too early as well, Boom knowing the situation if even 18 balls are left Jassi can be Jassi and he can do something special and it just didn't happen today,” he concluded.

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