The Mumbai Indians’ dream of lifting a sixth IPL trophy came to a crashing halt on Monday as they were knocked out by the Punjab Kings in a dramatic Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. While the defeat itself was heartbreaking for MI fans, it was captain Hardik Pandya’s tactical decisions that became the focal point of post-match criticism.
Despite setting a formidable total of 203, Mumbai Indians failed to defend the target, and Punjab Kings, led by a sensational Shreyas Iyer knock, chased it down comfortably. But what truly shocked fans and experts alike was Hardik's reluctance to bowl his full quota of overs—a decision that may have cost MI the match.
Hardik's Bowling Call: A Puzzling Move
Hardik Pandya, known for his all-round abilities, bowled just two overs, conceding 19 runs and taking the crucial wicket of Josh Inglis. His short spell showed promise, and he nearly bagged another scalp when Nehal Wadhera was dropped by Trent Boult. However, inexplicably, Pandya decided not to return to the attack for the remaining overs, instead relying on other options.
One of those was England pacer Reece Topley, who had not played a single game in IPL 2025 until this crucial match. Topley, understandably rusty, was taken apart by PBKS batters, leaking 40 runs in just three overs.
This prompted former cricketers and analysts to question Hardik’s judgment, including former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, who didn’t mince words:
“Hardik should have grabbed the bull by the horns. This was a pressure situation that demanded leadership through action, not delegation to someone conditioned only for nets.”
Mitchell Santner’s Underuse Adds Fuel to the Fire
Another baffling decision was the underutilization of Mitchell Santner, the experienced New Zealand left-arm spinner. Santner bowled only two overs, conceding a tidy 15 runs, but was not brought back despite his economical spell. According to reports, the MI think tank refrained from using him further due to Shreyas Iyer’s strong record against left-arm spin.
But as things turned out, Iyer was unstoppable anyway, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 41 balls and guiding PBKS to a memorable win. This raises the question—would it have been wiser to mix up the attack, rather than hold back proven performers in a knockout game?
Leadership Under Fire
Hardik Pandya’s captaincy has often polarized opinions, but this latest episode has drawn particularly sharp criticism. Many feel he failed to rise to the occasion as a leader who leads from the front. The decision to trust an untested bowler like Topley over his own abilities, in a do-or-die match, is being seen as a tactical blunder.
Former players, fans, and social media users have all voiced disappointment:
“Hardik bowled well and then disappeared. You can’t win knockout matches if your captain doesn’t take responsibility,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another remarked:
“Trusting someone conditioned in the nets more than yourself? That’s not the Hardik we expect in high-stakes matches.”
Bumrah and MI's Bowling Collapse
Adding to MI’s woes was an off-day for star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who went wicketless and struggled with his lengths. Without Bumrah firing on all cylinders, and with Pandya not bowling, the MI attack looked flat against the onslaught of Shreyas Iyer.
The combined effect of questionable tactical decisions and an underperforming bowling unit meant that even a 200+ score couldn’t secure a win.
Punjab Kings March to the Final
While MI licks its wounds, Punjab Kings celebrated a historic achievement. Shreyas Iyer’s masterclass under pressure not only dismantled the MI bowling but also booked PBKS a spot in the IPL 2025 Final—where they will face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday.
It’s a thrilling storyline: two franchises that have long waited for an IPL trophy finally face off in a high-stakes final. PBKS, often seen as underdogs, now have a golden opportunity to script history.
Looking Ahead for Hardik and Mumbai Indians
For Hardik Pandya, this loss may linger for more than just the result—it raises questions about his approach to pressure and leadership in crunch moments. MI, a franchise known for success and consistency, will no doubt conduct a thorough post-mortem of this campaign.
While Hardik remains a valuable asset as an all-rounder, the debate on whether he’s ready for sustained leadership will likely continue into the next season.
Final Thoughts
In cricket, as in life, key decisions define outcomes. Hardik Pandya’s choice to not back himself, despite clear signals that his presence was needed, will be remembered as one of IPL 2025’s most pivotal moments.
Punjab Kings deservedly head to the final, but the larger conversation is now focused on what Mumbai Indians—and Hardik—could have done differently. For fans and analysts alike, this match was a lesson in seizing the moment and standing tall when it matters most.
Stay tuned for more match insights, analysis, and IPL 2025 coverage right here on the blog.
0 Comments