“We made basic errors” - Hardik Pandya reveals the reason behind losing to Gujarat Titans

Mumbai Indians captain and all-rounder Hardik Pandya has opened up on the reasons behind his team’s loss to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, March 29.

After losing the toss, the Gujarat Titans were tasked to bat first. Titans went on to post 196/8 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan's 63, Jos Buttler's 39, and Shubman Gill's 38 were crucial in putting up a dominating total on a slow wicket.

In response, Mumbai Indians could score 160/6 in 20 overs. Tilak Varma (39) and Suryakumar Yadav (48) shone well, but that wasn't enough for them to win the game as they suffered a 36-run defeat. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each.

Pandya slammed his teammates for not showing professionalism on the field. For the same reason, Pandya stated that his team conceded more than 15 runs, which was one of the reasons behind the defeat.

“Tough to put it together; I think in batting and bowling we were 15-20 runs short in both places. We were not professional in the field; we made basic errors, and that cost us 20-25 runs, and in a T20 game, that is quite a lot," Hardik stated at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“They (GT openers) batted brilliantly, only a couple of deliveries here and there. They were quite exceptional; they didn’t take many chances, they did the right stuff, and they were able to get runs without playing many risky shots. We have been doing catch-up since then," he added.

“At the moment we all need to take responsibility; it’s still early stages. Batters have to come to the party; hopefully they do that soon. On this wicket, they (slower deliveries) were the toughest balls; some were shooting, and some were bouncing. As batters, it becomes difficult. They (GT bowlers) did what I did with the ball."

Mumbai Indians will next take on the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, March 31.

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