‘Ownership has to be taken’: Pandya hints at ‘difficult calls’ after MI’s 4th loss this IPL 2026

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya signalled a period of intense internal scrutiny for the five-time champions after the franchise slumped to its fourth consecutive loss of the IPL 2026 season on Thursday.

The defeat occurred at the Wankhede Stadium during Match 24, where the Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. Pandya indicated that the team management would re-evaluate its strategy and personnel to identify systemic failures.

"To be honest, I don't have much to say. We need to go back and see where we're lacking - if it's individuals, groups or planning and work it out," Pandya said during the post-match presentation.

Squandered Century and Middle-Order Struggles

The Mumbai innings was highlighted by a masterful, unbeaten 112 from Quinton de Kock. The veteran opener struck eight boundaries and seven sixes across 60 deliveries, recovering the side from a precarious 12/2. De Kock found a capable partner in Naman Dhir, who contributed a 31-ball 50 as part of a 123-run third-wicket stand.

Despite these individual feats, the Mumbai Indians were unable to sustain their momentum in the closing stages, finishing on 195/6. The total proved insufficient against a disciplined Punjab attack that utilised late-inning reverse swing to stifle the scoring.

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Punjab’s Clinical Pursuit

The Punjab Kings reached the target of 196 with ease, concluding the chase at 198/3 with 21 deliveries remaining. Prabhsimran Singh led the charge with a blistering 80 not out off 39 balls, supported by Shreyas Iyer, who notched a 35-ball 66.

Pandya conceded that the opposition adapted more effectively to the evening conditions, including the onset of dew in the second innings. "Credit to PBKS, the ball started reversing. Dew came in the second innings, but they beat us. They bowled and fielded better," he remarked.

Potential Roster Changes

With the campaign in jeopardy, the Mumbai skipper suggested that significant changes might be necessary to halt the team's downward trajectory. Pandya emphasised the need for individual accountability within the squad.

"We need to see if we need to make difficult calls or see if we continue and turn things around. Ownership has to be taken," Pandya said.

The remarks suggest the MI leadership may consider benching underperforming players or altering their tactical approach as they attempt to salvage a season that is rapidly deteriorating.

With inputs from IANS