IPL 2026: ‘Conceded way too many runs,’ says Hardik on MI’s loss to RCB

‘Conceded way too many runs’: Hardik Pandya on MI’s loss

Mumbai indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya said that the team “conceded way too many” runs after their 18-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game that saw 462 runs being scored by both teams combined at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Indians, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, let RCB score 240/4 in 20 overs after fifties from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said that the Mumbai Indians conceded way too many runs and have been consistently playing catch-up in both batting and bowling in recent games. He stressed the need for the team to reflect and reassess their strategies to regain momentum, especially in the powerplay. “We conceded way too many as well. Last couple of games, as a bowling unit and as a batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect and what best we can do, and how we can get the momentum we require. A lot of things need a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball. We need to still bat well and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine). We are speaking about and talking about how to get some momentum in the powerplay. We are trying to catch up (in batting and bowling). We will see what we can do in the next game,” Pandya said.

MI’s valiant chase falls short

Mumbai Indians made a strong start while chasing 241 against RCB, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton powering them to 62/0 in the powerplay. However, Rohit’s injury and the quick wickets of Rickelton and Tilak Varma falling in the same over shifted momentum. Despite fighting knocks from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, MI kept losing wickets at key moments. A late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford (71* off 31) kept hopes alive, but they ultimately fell short, finishing at 222/5 and losing by 18 runs.

Hardik praises Rutherford’s power-hitting

Hardik Pandya praised Sherfane Rutherford, saying the team was excited to sign him because of his known power-hitting ability. He added that Rutherford’s strong performance provides the Mumbai Indians with an extra cushion and confidence. “When we got him, it was always exciting for us, we knew the potential and power he had. The way he batted, it gives us extra cushion and confidence,” Pandya said.

RCB’s batting masterclass

Earlier, RCB posted a huge total of 240/4, built on aggressive batting throughout the innings. Openers Phil Salt (78 off 36) and Virat Kohli (50 off 38) gave a blazing start with a 120-run stand, before Kohli and Rajat Patidar (53 off 20) added a quick 65-run partnership. Late fireworks from Tim David (34* off 16) pushed RCB to a dominant finish.

RCB climb points table

With this win, RCB now have three victories in four IPL 2026 matches so far and find themselves positioned third in the IPL 2026 points table with six points and the Net Run Rate of +1.148. (ANI)

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