Cricket

The Mumbai Indians' dismal IPL 2024 campaign has reached its nadir, with the five-time champions becoming the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. Despite having two matches remaining, the Hardik Pandya-led side's fate was sealed on Wednesday when SunRisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Super Giants.The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already secured 16 points each, occupying the top spots in the IPL 2024 points table. SRH's 10-wicket victory over LSG propelled them to 14 points, leaving Mumbai Indians with an insurmountable deficit.With only 8 points from 12 games, the Mumbai Indians cannot overtake any of the three teams ahead of them. Even if they win their remaining two matches, they can only reach a maximum of 12 points.Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, both on 12 points, will face off in the 64th match of IPL 2024. This ensures that one of these teams will finish with more than 12 points, further eliminating Mumbai Indians' playoff hopes.Hardik Pandya has remained pragmatic about his team's chances, stating that he is not getting carried away by mathematical possibilities. "I don't know which mathematical situation we're talking about, but at the same time, you want to focus on playing good cricket," Pandya said.Despite their elimination, Pandya praised his team's performance in their recent victory over Punjab Kings. He highlighted the batting prowess of Suryakumar Yadav, who has been a standout performer for Mumbai Indians this season."The way our batters batted, that was excellent. My bowling, I like to bowl in the right areas, I bowl according to the situation. Bowled in the right areas today and it worked," Pandya said."It's unbelievable, the best past of SKY is that he puts the bowlers under pressure. It's sheer confidence, his game has changed, is one of the best batters. He can change a game in a different way, lucky to have him (SKY) in our side," Pandya added.

Mumbai Indians' Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav Stunned by Pat Cummins' Severed Finger RevelationDuring a post-match chat following Mumbai Indians' victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were left in disbelief after Australian pacer Pat Cummins shared the story behind his severed middle finger.Cummins, who has a noticeably shorter middle finger on his bowling hand, explained to the Indian duo that he lost the top of the finger in a childhood accident when his sister slammed a door on it. Despite the injury, Cummins has maintained that it does not affect his bowling."It doesn't really affect me because (the finger) is about the same length as the other one (index finger)," Cummins told cricket.com.au in 2017.Pandya and Yadav were visibly shocked by Cummins' revelation, expressing their disbelief and admiration for his ability to overcome such an injury.The incident highlights the resilience and determination of athletes who face physical challenges. Cummins' story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar obstacles.Despite the setback, Cummins has gone on to become one of the world's leading fast bowlers. He is known for his exceptional pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball both ways.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Cummins took 1 for 34 in his four overs, but it was his off-field revelation that left the most lasting impression on his opponents.

Hardik Pandya's resurgence with the ball has been a welcome sight for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite a disappointing IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya's all-round abilities remain unmatched in India.Chief selector Chetan Sharma emphasized Pandya's unique balance and versatility, particularly his bowling prowess. Pandya's ability to bowl at the death and provide Rohit Sharma with flexible options is crucial for the team's success.In Monday's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pandya delivered an incisive spell, taking three for 33 in four overs. His accurate bowling and ability to exploit the Wankhede pitch's bounce and movement played a significant role in restricting Hyderabad to a manageable total.Pandya's return to form, along with Suryakumar Yadav's blazing century, bodes well for India's World Cup aspirations. Both players have overcome injuries and are now hitting their stride at the right time.Pandya's bowling has been particularly impressive in his last three matches, where he has bowled his full quota of overs and taken wickets consistently. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowl to the situation is a testament to his skill and experience.Former West Indies great Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians' batting coach, has been a staunch supporter of Pandya. He believes that Pandya's recent bowling performances are a positive sign for both the player and Indian cricket.If Pandya can continue his good form in Mumbai Indians' remaining two matches, he will regain much of the confidence that was shaken during his disappointing IPL campaign. His return to bowling fitness and effectiveness will be a major boost for India's World Cup hopes.

Mumbai Indians' playoff hopes remain alive after a crucial victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The win propelled MI to ninth place in the IPL 2024 standings with 8 points from 12 matches and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.212. While their chances of reaching the playoffs are slim, victories in their remaining two matches could potentially secure a Top 4 finish.Suryakumar Yadav's sensational century and brilliant bowling performances from Hardik Pandya and Piyush Chawla led MI to a 7-wicket victory over SRH. However, the path to the playoffs remains challenging for the Mumbai-based franchise.Conditions for MI to Reach IPL Playoffs:1. Win Remaining Matches: MI must win their remaining two matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.2. Other Teams' Losses: No other team with 12 points (SRH, LSG, CSK) should win their remaining matches.3. Improved Net Run Rate: MI's current NRR of -0.212 needs to improve significantly through big wins in their remaining matches.Despite these conditions, MI's playoff chances are not promising. However, the team will be determined to finish the season on a high note and secure as many wins as possible.

The Mumbai Indians' hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs are hanging by a thread after a string of disappointing performances. With just three matches remaining in the league stage, the five-time champions face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds.Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians have struggled to find consistency. Established stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kieron Pollard have failed to live up to expectations, while the team's overall strategy has been questioned.To qualify for the playoffs, the Mumbai Indians must win all three of their remaining matches and hope that other teams falter. They face a tough task against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants.Even if the Mumbai Indians win all their remaining matches, they may still miss out on the playoffs due to their poor net run rate (-0.356). To improve their chances, they need to win by large margins and hope that other teams with 12 points (SRH, LSG, CSK) lose their remaining matches.The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who currently occupy the top two spots with 16 points each, are virtually assured of playoff berths. The Mumbai Indians' hopes rest on the unlikely scenario of these teams losing their remaining matches and the Mumbai Indians winning all of theirs by significant margins.Despite the long odds, the Mumbai Indians will be desperate to salvage their season and make a late push for the playoffs. However, their chances appear slim, and they may be forced to accept an early exit from the tournament.

Mumbai Indians' (MI) dismal performance in IPL 2024 has left them on the brink of elimination from the playoffs race. Despite mathematical possibilities, the five-time champions' chances are virtually non-existent.Ahead of their crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, MI captain Hardik Pandya acknowledged the team's struggles. He emphasized the importance of learning from failures, stating that it provides invaluable experience."Responsibility-wise, I've always embraced it because it makes things more personal. I believe in owning my mistakes and taking chances, even if it means failing and learning. That's something no one can teach you," Pandya said.Pandya's rise to prominence as India's fast-bowling allrounder was largely due to the support of MS Dhoni during his tenure as captain. After recovering from an ankle injury, Pandya was traded to MI and appointed as skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma.However, under Pandya's leadership, MI has endured one of their worst IPL seasons, losing eight of their 11 matches. They currently languish at the bottom of the 10-team table."Some failures you experience and then learn. It helps you understand your roles and strengths, and how to improve," Pandya added.Despite the team's struggles, Pandya remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the experience gained from this season will be invaluable for the team's growth."We're not going to give up. We're going to keep fighting and learning. We have a lot of young players who are eager to prove themselves. I'm confident that we'll come back stronger next season," Pandya said.

Mumbai Indians (MI), led by Hardik Pandya, are facing an uphill battle in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Currently languishing in ninth place with six points and a net run rate of -0.356, their chances of finishing in the top three are slim. However, they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs.In their recent encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium, MI suffered a disappointing 24-run defeat. To secure a playoff berth, Pandya's team must win their remaining three matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), accumulating 12 points from 14 matches.However, their qualification also hinges on the results of other teams. MI cannot surpass Rajasthan Royals (RR) and KKR in the standings, as they have already amassed 16 and 14 points respectively after playing 10 matches each. Similarly, they will remain below SRH and LSG, who have already secured 12 points. MI's only chance of finishing fourth is if LSG loses all their remaining four matches against KKR, SRH, Delhi Capitals (DC), and MI.Furthermore, MI will closely monitor the performance of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), DC, Gujarat Titans (GT), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), hoping that they do not exceed the 12-point mark and maintain a lower net run rate in IPL 2024.In the match between MI and KKR, Mumbai opted to field first. A strong partnership of 83 runs between Venkatesh Iyer (70 off 52) and Manish Pandey (42 off 31) propelled KKR to a total of 169. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive spell of 3 for 18 in 3.5 overs, including a double-wicket over, was a highlight for MI.In response, MI were bowled out for 145. Starc made a remarkable comeback, claiming 4 wickets for 33 runs in just 3.5 overs, leading KKR to a 24-run victory. Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine also contributed with identical figures of 2/22, taking crucial wickets in the first half of the chase, which put KKR in a commanding position.Following their victory, KKR now hold the second position in the IPL 2024 standings with 14 points, while MI remain in ninth place with 6 points. MI's next match is against SRH on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium.

India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya's struggles have become evident in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with Mumbai Indians enduring a dismal campaign under his leadership. Former cricketers Aaron Finch and Graeme Smith have expressed concerns about Pandya's demeanor and the team's overall performance.During Mumbai Indians' recent loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, Pandya was met with loud boos from the Wankhede Stadium crowd. The team had begun the match promisingly, taking five early wickets, but KKR fought back to post a competitive 169 on the board. In reply, Mumbai crashed to 145 all out, despite Suryakumar Yadav's 56.Finch believes Pandya appears "flattened" and "drained," suggesting that the pressure of captaincy is taking its toll. He noted that Pandya's personal struggles have coincided with the team's poor performance, making it a difficult situation for him.Smith echoed Finch's sentiments, describing Mumbai Indians as a "confused team" under Pandya's leadership. He pointed to the constant changes in personnel and batting order, suggesting a lack of clarity in the team's strategy.Former Australia vice-captain Shane Watson also criticized Pandya's captaincy decisions, particularly his failure to deploy Jasprit Bumrah when KKR were struggling at 57 for five. Watson believes this allowed KKR to build a partnership and gain momentum.The former cricketers' comments highlight the challenges facing Pandya and Mumbai Indians. The team has won only three of their 11 matches this season, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the standings. Pandya's captaincy and the team's overall performance have come under scrutiny, raising questions about their ability to turn things around in the remaining matches.

Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has expressed his bewilderment over the tactics employed by Mumbai Indians (MI) during their 24-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Chasing a modest target of 170, MI's batting lineup crumbled, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.Sehwag questioned the decision to send captain Hardik Pandya and Tim David down the order at No. 7 and 8, respectively. He also raised concerns about KKR's decision to hold back star all-rounder Andre Russell."KKR saved Andre Russell; he played only two balls. Mumbai Indians saved Hardik Pandya and Tim David. What did you achieve by doing that? There were many deliveries left, and they all got out. You could've come earlier, or maybe you could've finished the game earlier, too," Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.Sehwag criticized Hardik for batting down the order, pointing out that he had consistently batted in the top order for Gujarat Titans in the previous season. He urged the MI management to take action against the players and staff responsible for the team's poor performance."Hardik Pandya batted at 4 consistently when he was the GT captain. What has happened here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming so low," Sehwag said."I'm baffled by this. Management needs to take severe action on players and ask them what's happening. Or, players should speak up about why their batting positions are changed. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are at fault here. Owners need to ask strict questions," he added.Hardik, speaking after the match, admitted that MI failed to form partnerships and lost wickets too frequently. He acknowledged that there were many questions that needed to be answered but declined to elaborate further."I mean obviously in the batting inning, we couldn't form partnerships and kept losing wickets, in T20s if you don't form partnerships, it will cost you. Not much, there are a lot of questions that will take some time to answer but for now, not much to say," Pandya said in the post-match presentation.