Mumbai Indians’ bowlers are under scrutiny after failing to defend their highest first-innings total in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, but captain Hardik Pandya refused to single them out for blame and said the whole team was accountable.
Five-time champion Mumbai is enduring a wretched season and is ninth in the 10-team standings with just two wins from eight matches.
Its much-vaunted bowling unit, spearheaded by India paceman Jasprit Bumrah, has struggled mightily with conditions in the IPL heavily favouring batters.
Mumbai posted 243 for five against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, only for the visitor to chase it down comfortably in a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare.
Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s premier fast bowler, went wicketless once again while conceding 54 runs in four overs. He remains stuck on two wickets in eight matches.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pandya said there was lots of blame to go around for the defeat.
“I won’t put my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for,” he said.
Mumbai, which has used 22 players this season, more than any other side, just needed a slice of luck to turn things around, Pandya added.
“It’s been that kind of season. When you get a couple of chances, you grab them, that’s when luck and momentum changes,” he said.
“If you don’t, it kind of hurts you, but it’s still fine, all the boys tried really well.”
Mumbai next faces Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Published on Apr 30, 2026